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