Happy Friday!! Love my Fridays:) I substitute at the High School then coming home to pick up house, laundry, make dinner then heading out to our first home football game...Go Spoofhounds!!:) We are State Champions and VERY GOOD....so the game will be awesome.
Girls, I have a vision...a BIG vision. I am listening to my HEART and it is telling me to have an art retreat. One that brings us together...in a peaceful place when we can learn and grow from one another. I need YOU to help!! If you are at all interested in TEACHING an art class would you please leave a comment?? Tell me what you can do/would like to do. I am thinking about having this either this coming spring or next fall.
The retreat would be 3 days/2 nights and filled with art and inspiration and spirit and lots of JOY.
Let me know your thoughts!!!!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Week 12: Taking Risks is SOOO Worth it!
"The ambitious climb high and perilous stairs, and never care how to come down; the desire of rising hath swallowed up their fear of a fall." -Thomas Adams
Welcome to Week 12 of Being Me. Looking back on our challenge I realize how I am feeling today and the goals I am setting for myself are because of the prior 11 weeks work. Each week is building on one another...that's exactly what I was hoping for!
No matter where you are on this 52 week journey... I hope that you are feeling momentum in your life and growing and learning and developing new ideas and goals for yourself. Remember...NO WORRIES if you are on Week 5 or ready for Week 12. Do your best!!
The goal here is to take each week's theme and learn and stretch and become the BEST YOU!!!
This week we are talking about Risk Taking.
Throughout my life I have tried to have the courage to do things that no one would expect...least of all me! At the age of 32 I learned how to swim so I could do a Sprint Triathlon...talk about taking risks...it was CRAZY!! I fear water after all...I mean I don't even swim in a pool!! Oh and speaking of things I fear...I am deathly afraid of heights...I get vertigo, about pass out...the whole deal. So what in the world was I thinking when I got myself all hooked up into this contraption???:)
It was my birthday (i think my 35th or 36th) and all I could think about was being taken up 180 feet, pulling a ripcord and dropped at lightening speed.
It was one of the scariest things I have ever done!! But soooo AMAZING!!!!
I took a risk and had a blast!!!!
Here I am nearly 10 years later and wondering why I haven't taken more risks in my life. Risks add excitement and meaning to our lives.
"Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing." -JCF Von Schiller
During our vacation I thought a lot about the risks I'm willing to take to make my art and writing goals become reality. One of my dreams that keeps me up at night, planning, wishing, hoping for is my dream to have an ART RETREAT. I want to bring together my blog friends to teach, create and spend a few days soul-searching together. I can see this happening in my mind. I can feel it in my heart.
I decided that NOW is the time to begin taking steps necessary to bring my dreams to life. I am willing to take risks, to contact people that may say no, to have the naysayers around keep on putting me down...telling me that NO ONE would ever come to Maryville for an art retreat. I am ready to look at them and smile but keep on going ANYWAY!!!
"Do not be too timid an squeamish...All life is an experiment. the more experiements you make, the better." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
And speaking of risks...over the weekend I finally took out a big canvas that has been sitting in my closet for MONTHS and began my Flora Bowley inspired painting!! I had soooo much fun!! I am not nearly finished yet but just wanted to share a little peek:)
Since working on this piece I have felt re-energized, focused and I have at long last found MY ART. I KNOW what it is I want to create now. Words, images and paint on canvas...makes my heart sing.
Oh and guess what??? Somebody has contacted me about buying this piece!! And it's not even finished!!
Your assignment this week, girls is to do some risk taking yourself. Look back on your life, make a list of risks you took and how that felt. Did you move forward in your life? Are you still taking risks?? Pick ONE thing that is in your heart and take that first step to making it become a reality!!!!
Welcome to Week 12 of Being Me. Looking back on our challenge I realize how I am feeling today and the goals I am setting for myself are because of the prior 11 weeks work. Each week is building on one another...that's exactly what I was hoping for!
No matter where you are on this 52 week journey... I hope that you are feeling momentum in your life and growing and learning and developing new ideas and goals for yourself. Remember...NO WORRIES if you are on Week 5 or ready for Week 12. Do your best!!
The goal here is to take each week's theme and learn and stretch and become the BEST YOU!!!
This week we are talking about Risk Taking.
Throughout my life I have tried to have the courage to do things that no one would expect...least of all me! At the age of 32 I learned how to swim so I could do a Sprint Triathlon...talk about taking risks...it was CRAZY!! I fear water after all...I mean I don't even swim in a pool!! Oh and speaking of things I fear...I am deathly afraid of heights...I get vertigo, about pass out...the whole deal. So what in the world was I thinking when I got myself all hooked up into this contraption???:)
It was my birthday (i think my 35th or 36th) and all I could think about was being taken up 180 feet, pulling a ripcord and dropped at lightening speed.
It was one of the scariest things I have ever done!! But soooo AMAZING!!!!
I took a risk and had a blast!!!!
Here I am nearly 10 years later and wondering why I haven't taken more risks in my life. Risks add excitement and meaning to our lives.
"Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing." -JCF Von Schiller
During our vacation I thought a lot about the risks I'm willing to take to make my art and writing goals become reality. One of my dreams that keeps me up at night, planning, wishing, hoping for is my dream to have an ART RETREAT. I want to bring together my blog friends to teach, create and spend a few days soul-searching together. I can see this happening in my mind. I can feel it in my heart.
I decided that NOW is the time to begin taking steps necessary to bring my dreams to life. I am willing to take risks, to contact people that may say no, to have the naysayers around keep on putting me down...telling me that NO ONE would ever come to Maryville for an art retreat. I am ready to look at them and smile but keep on going ANYWAY!!!
"Do not be too timid an squeamish...All life is an experiment. the more experiements you make, the better." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
And speaking of risks...over the weekend I finally took out a big canvas that has been sitting in my closet for MONTHS and began my Flora Bowley inspired painting!! I had soooo much fun!! I am not nearly finished yet but just wanted to share a little peek:)
Since working on this piece I have felt re-energized, focused and I have at long last found MY ART. I KNOW what it is I want to create now. Words, images and paint on canvas...makes my heart sing.
Oh and guess what??? Somebody has contacted me about buying this piece!! And it's not even finished!!
Your assignment this week, girls is to do some risk taking yourself. Look back on your life, make a list of risks you took and how that felt. Did you move forward in your life? Are you still taking risks?? Pick ONE thing that is in your heart and take that first step to making it become a reality!!!!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
I'm a Risk Taker
"If you play it safe in life, you've decided that you don't want to grow anymore." -Shirley Hufstedler, Lawyer
I've always thought of myself as a risk taker. Someone who loves trying new things and tackling life's challenges head-on.
The past few days I've been inspired to really take a look at my creative life...and I realized that when it comes to risk taking...well, let's just say I've played it safe for way too long now!!
I am ready to take a giant leap and see where my ideas take me!!!
I will share my thoughts, ideas and more in Week 12 of our 52 week Challenge!!!!
It's FRIDAY!! Oh do I love Fridays! Especially now that school is back in session and I am working nearly full-time as a substitute teacher. I have been at the High School all week and am ready for some relaxing time and STUDIO TIME this weekend. I am also ready to share a few FRESH ideas with you...enjoy.
1. I have been a Follower of this lovely lady for several years now. Not only is she talented but she is bright light and adds so much to my days when I read her blog. Love her!!!
2. If you are thinking about taking a class this Fall, Dina Wakely is offering this one and this one. Which one do I choose??!
3. If you are looking for FRESH art with deep, spiritual meaning then please stop by my friend's Etsy shop!
Have a perfect weekend, girls!!!
52 Weeks art challenge
 |
| Just a little nervous here...lol |
I've always thought of myself as a risk taker. Someone who loves trying new things and tackling life's challenges head-on.
 |
| Me and Bo the Red Boa Constrictor |
The past few days I've been inspired to really take a look at my creative life...and I realized that when it comes to risk taking...well, let's just say I've played it safe for way too long now!!
I am ready to take a giant leap and see where my ideas take me!!!
I will share my thoughts, ideas and more in Week 12 of our 52 week Challenge!!!!
It's FRIDAY!! Oh do I love Fridays! Especially now that school is back in session and I am working nearly full-time as a substitute teacher. I have been at the High School all week and am ready for some relaxing time and STUDIO TIME this weekend. I am also ready to share a few FRESH ideas with you...enjoy.
1. I have been a Follower of this lovely lady for several years now. Not only is she talented but she is bright light and adds so much to my days when I read her blog. Love her!!!
2. If you are thinking about taking a class this Fall, Dina Wakely is offering this one and this one. Which one do I choose??!
3. If you are looking for FRESH art with deep, spiritual meaning then please stop by my friend's Etsy shop!
Have a perfect weekend, girls!!!
52 Weeks art challenge
Monday, August 19, 2013
Week Eleven: Get Outside!!
I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir, 1913, in L.M. Wolfe, ed., John Muir, John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir, 1938
Thanks so much for being patient with me during my time off. I think many of us enjoyed having an extra week to catch up anyway!!;) Remember girls...ALL 52 Weeks will be at the top of my blog so you an ALWAYS do this at your own pace. Please don't feel like you are behind, ok? That kind of thinking just makes us feel yucky and like we aren't good enough...and YOU are AMAZING!
Speaking of AMAZING let's get on with Week Eleven..."Spending Time with Nature".
The past 7 days I spent in beautiful Northern Minnesota in a town called Bemidji...well, actually we were 30 miles north of there in a very wooded and quiet area.
There is just something about being surrounded by crystal blue water, woods, pretty flowers and wild life of all kinds.
When I am outside I am more me than at any other time. I enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on my face. It is heaven!
Loons are the official bird of Minnesota:)
Being surrounded by all this beauty energized me and allowed me to think clearly, set some new goals and just be.
I know that's why I love walks so much. Anytime I can be outside makes me HAPPY!!!
This week I want you to spend time outside. Even if you live in a tiny apartment in the city and have very little grass...get outside. Look around. Take in the sun, the clouds, the flowers {even if they are in a pot}. Walk, sit on a bench and read a book or take your journal outside and create! I did that several mornings on the deck and enjoyed every second!!!!
In your art journals jot down a few of your favorite things to do outside. Write down any feel good memories of time spent outside, too.
God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Martin Luther
Thanks so much for being patient with me during my time off. I think many of us enjoyed having an extra week to catch up anyway!!;) Remember girls...ALL 52 Weeks will be at the top of my blog so you an ALWAYS do this at your own pace. Please don't feel like you are behind, ok? That kind of thinking just makes us feel yucky and like we aren't good enough...and YOU are AMAZING!
Speaking of AMAZING let's get on with Week Eleven..."Spending Time with Nature".
 |
| Lake Balm where we stayed. |
The past 7 days I spent in beautiful Northern Minnesota in a town called Bemidji...well, actually we were 30 miles north of there in a very wooded and quiet area.
There is just something about being surrounded by crystal blue water, woods, pretty flowers and wild life of all kinds.
 |
| The dock down from our lake house |
When I am outside I am more me than at any other time. I enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on my face. It is heaven!
 |
| Dainty little wild flowers |
Loons are the official bird of Minnesota:)
Being surrounded by all this beauty energized me and allowed me to think clearly, set some new goals and just be.
 |
| Me and Em on the boat |
I know that's why I love walks so much. Anytime I can be outside makes me HAPPY!!!
 |
| Silly goose we fed bread to on the shoreline. |
This week I want you to spend time outside. Even if you live in a tiny apartment in the city and have very little grass...get outside. Look around. Take in the sun, the clouds, the flowers {even if they are in a pot}. Walk, sit on a bench and read a book or take your journal outside and create! I did that several mornings on the deck and enjoyed every second!!!!
 |
| Happy Me! |
In your art journals jot down a few of your favorite things to do outside. Write down any feel good memories of time spent outside, too.
God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Martin Luther
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Unplugging
Girls...I am unplugging from the world for the next week. My sweet family and I are going to Northern Minnesota for rest, fishing, sewing, journaling, painting, laughing and more. We plan on sitting around a campfire every night toasting marshmellows and playing games till midnight. I can't wait to spend time with them. I love them!!! Soooo much:)
See you back here for Week 11 on August 19th:)
52 Weeks Art Journaling
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Week Ten: Eating Fresh
**So sorry, Girls this is a day late. Yesterday was one of those days. I just wasn't feeling well...ouchy neck and migraine. I am on the mend today!!
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Anon.
Before I share this week's theme I wanted to share my journal pages from Weeks 8 and 9.
Week 8 we focused on the importance of Solitude....
I used a very serious girl to show how important finding time to be by myself is. Like my journaling says....it is "Necessary for my heart."
I love using bright colors in my work, circles, diamonds and lots of words and phrases.
In Week 9 we Reflected on the previous weeks and tried our best to work on some of our weaker areas.
This page is a bit different from my usual style.
This is a Dina Wakely inspired page...love her!!!
Ok...so here we are on Week Ten and I am sooo ready!! This week we are focusing on Eating Fresh. It is summer afterall {for some of us anyway!!}...a time when my favorite vegetables and fruits are at their peak.
There is NOTHING better than a HUGE tossed salad with greens from my garden!
This was yesterdays lunch...sooo yummy!!! Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet red onion and homemade italian dressing. My favorite!!!
I also eat lots of berries, peaches and watermelons during this time of year. I wish they were available year round!!
A big part of my 52 weeks goal is to lose some weight and get in shape. When I eat healthy I just plain feel good!!!
This week I want you to really take a look at what and how you eat. Do you eat fresh produce daily? What kinds of fruits and veggies do you typically reach for? What are your favorite ways to eat them? Are you willing to try new kinds of produce? Which ones?
I want you take note at how you FEEL after eating a fresh, healthy meal versus a fatty, junk food type meal. How does sugar affect you? Are you tired, anxious and headachy after? Become aware at how the foods you eat make you feel.
For the next two weeks I want you to create a dinner menu. Taking the time to do this truly does make it easier to eat healthier. Here is what my week of meals looks like...
Monday-steak on grill, mashed potatoes, big salad
Tuesday-Lemon pork chops, rice, salad
Wednesday-Chicken tacos
Thursday-baked potatoes, broccoli, salad
Friday-BBQ pork sandwhiches
Saturday-Leftovers with salad
Sunday-Traveling and in Bemidji....something from restaurant (aim for salads and chicken)
I will be sharing fresh recipes starting today and throughout our next 42 weeks. Pinterest and Allrecipes are my favorite places to go for yummy ideas!!!
This week in our journals why not make a list of fresh, healthy foods that fill us up and make us feel amazing. We could write down how foods make us feel, too so we always have a reminder why its so important to eat clean!!!
Girls, what are YOUR favorite fresh foods?? Pleaase share...I love new ideas for eating!!!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Fresh Fridays: Please meet My FAvOrITe aRTiSt
"And no one will listen to us until we listen to ourselves. The Goddess awakens in our hearts before she awakens in the world." -Marianne Williamson, Writer
Welcome to the Weekend and Fresh Fridays. Each and every Friday you can drop by and learn about a cool mixed-media technique, idea or meet an interesting artist to freshen up your creative endeavors. I am always on the lookout for new ideas, products and artists!! They inspire me so:)
This week I wanted to share one of my favorite artists with you...Flora Bowley!!
I'm not sure where or when I first heard about this fabulous artist...but I am sooo happy I found her. Her work is delightful and stirs something in my heart...I LOVE how she paints and what she paints!!
This is one of her recent posts...LOVE it!
All of her canvas's are HUGE! And to watch her paint is a lesson on creating itself. She stands and smears paint, uses various tools and she always has her spray bottle!
No two paintings are alike except for her use of bright, bold colors and shapes.
Her work is FANTASTIC and is the reason I am learning so many new painting techniques!!!
She does offfer a class...oh how I dream of taking it one day,
For now I am happy with her book (that I am purchasing very soon!)
For me art is a feeling. When you see something or create something you should feel it so deep in your heart that you KNOW it's you. That's what Flora's work does to me....it speaks to my heart.
To learn more about this fabulous woman and artist please so here.
What artist is really speaking to YOUR heart right now?? Please share!!!
Welcome to the Weekend and Fresh Fridays. Each and every Friday you can drop by and learn about a cool mixed-media technique, idea or meet an interesting artist to freshen up your creative endeavors. I am always on the lookout for new ideas, products and artists!! They inspire me so:)
This week I wanted to share one of my favorite artists with you...Flora Bowley!!
I'm not sure where or when I first heard about this fabulous artist...but I am sooo happy I found her. Her work is delightful and stirs something in my heart...I LOVE how she paints and what she paints!!
This is one of her recent posts...LOVE it!
All of her canvas's are HUGE! And to watch her paint is a lesson on creating itself. She stands and smears paint, uses various tools and she always has her spray bottle!
No two paintings are alike except for her use of bright, bold colors and shapes.
Her work is FANTASTIC and is the reason I am learning so many new painting techniques!!!
She does offfer a class...oh how I dream of taking it one day,
For now I am happy with her book (that I am purchasing very soon!)
For me art is a feeling. When you see something or create something you should feel it so deep in your heart that you KNOW it's you. That's what Flora's work does to me....it speaks to my heart.
To learn more about this fabulous woman and artist please so here.
What artist is really speaking to YOUR heart right now?? Please share!!!
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