Brand New Day

I have come to so many realizations in the past two days. It's like everything I've been worrying about and wondering about have been answered. I am feeling so very blessed.

source

Today is church. I love church. I get 
 to spend 3 hours of uninterrupted time just thinking about my life, my Heavenly Father and my spirituality. So peaceful.

I am looking forward to sharing what's next in my life.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend my friends!!

Heart Spilling-Link Party

Welcome to What's on My Work Desk Wednesday. 

I love showing you my space and all my projects!

This week I have kept busy....

"My work is giving space

to the creative spirit-

learning to get out of its way 

and be in its service at the same time." 

-Gabrielle Roth, Dancer and Healer

Working with all of my favorites...

butterflies

and

vintage ladies

paint

paper

words.

"Just don't give up trying to 

do what you really want to do. 

Where there is love and inspiration, 

I don't think you can go wrong."

  -Ella Fitzgerald, singer

Busy as a bee and making quite the mess.

"I think the creative process

is not about creating something else; 

it's about the process itself creating who I am."

  -Mayumi Oda, Artist and Writer

Remember a few posts back I told you I have been flexing my courage muscles?

I am.

And it's hard and scary 

and I'm trying not to be too cautious.

Not to be nervous and second guess my self and my abilities.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."  -Anais Nin, Writer

This October I am headed to Clarinda, Iowa for my very first show.

I have been signed up for months.

Planning and prepping and creating.

"To fear is one thing. 

To let fear grab you 

by the tail and swing you

around is another." 

-Katherine Paterson, Writer

This week it was official. My business cards finally arrived!

Soooo excited to share them with you along with where I purchased them later this week.

Even my teenagers think they are pretty sweet;)

Ya' know what's crazy...I have been so frightened to share this here with all of you.

I guess I thought if I put it out there...

it would be "real".

I would have to follow through with it.

But I am following through.

I have found my passion in life.

And I am so ready to see where this all takes me!

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar."  -Mary Bryant

Day by Day I am letting go.

I am exploring.

My art is spilling out of my heart into my work.

"When you have a dream, 

you've got to

grab it and never let it go."

 -Carol Burnett, Actress and Comedienne 

I am linking up today with Studio JRU and Inspire Me Fridays!!

Click here to visit

Click here

My "Do it Anyway" List

So this week we are talking about doing it ANYWAY. I have been doing quite a bit of thinking of what I have already done anyway. Let me tell you, girls. I should do this exercise more often...especially when I'm feeling down. Through the years I have been pretty good at "doing it anyway"!

Here is my list along with one of my favorite photos...it's me, taken at Mile17 during the "Mayor's Midnight Sun" Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska...June 1999.

Leslie's List of "She Did It Anyway"

1. I had never ran a mile in my life-ever. I ran TWO marathons anway.

2. I was scared to death of water and didn't know how to swim I finished a TRIATHLON anyway.

3. I was made fun of relentlessly in grade school. I played the lead in every school play in High School anyway.

4. I made many, many mistakes in college and was hurt so bad. I graduated from college anyway and landed my dream job anyway.

5. I had never written for the newspaper and was told over and over again I needed a degree for that. I wrote a weekly column in our local paper for 5 years anyway.

6. I was told I was worthless and not pretty enough and not skinny enough. I met my Prince Charming, got married and had a beautiful family anyway.

7. I was told it's a waste of time and silly to have a blog. I have met some of my best friends because of my blog and have over 200 Followers anyway.

8. I was told I wasn't creative and never would be. I paint, doodle and create daily anyway.

"To perservere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man. The coward despairs."  -Euripides

I encourage you to make your own "She Did It Anyway" list. When you see all it is you have done "anyway"...it is empowering!!

Tell me one thing you do ANYWAY!!

Art Journal Cover and Word

I am in Week 4 of my "Soul Restoration" journey. What an amazing trip it is so far!!! The course is all about sharing ourselves, our weak selves and our strong selves, our good memories and our bad ones through art. By creating and putting these thoughts {some unpleasant ones} into our art we can heal in ways maybe not possible before. It is working wonders for me!!! Today I wanted to share the cover of my Art Journal with you. This, by far, is my favorite part of the course!! LOVE it!!!!!!!!

Art Journal cover

Here are a few close-ups...

Inside of my journal is filled with journaling prompts Melody has provided throughout the class. These are helping me with all aspects of my life. I have always believed in the power of the written word.

Because of this course I now believe when you mix pictures and paint and glue with words...WOW! That's when the miracles happen. I know that sounds kind of crazy...but it is soooo TRUE!

A page in progress

A letter I wrote to my "Weak Self"

During our "31 Days Creativity" challenge you can expect lots of Art Journaling. It is addicting!!!

Speaking of that...one of my January goals was to Art Journal daily. Not only did I succeed but have now made that one of my goals for the year!! 

Okay...let's get to our WORD of the Week.

This week I am kicking the

Word of the Week up a notch. Not only will we focus

on trying

our best to live the WORD but I challenge

you to create something using the WORD!! 

You can use artist trading cards, Art Journals,

scrapbook pages, anything you can think up!!

I will be posting my WORD of the Week projects 

by the following Monday. 

I hope you'll play along!!!

Oh and NO pressure! Don't feel like you have to do this every week. Just play along when a WORD really "speaks" to you!!!! Here is our WORD this week!!

Got that? TRY.

As in
TRY to be enough
TRY something new
TRY to do your best
TRY a new food
TRY not to be so hard on yourself
TRY:)


What do you think about Art Journals? Do you use them? Do you want to TRY one?

Vacation {Days 30 & 31}

"Creativity is a central source of meaning in our lives...most of the things that are interesting, important, and human are the results of creativity...when we are involved in it, we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life."  -Mihaly Csikszenthihalyi

A little over a month ago I had this idea for 31 Days. Not only did I want to share an idea with you everyday to spark your interest in writing, creating or just "being"...but I wanted to challenge myself to do those things as well.

I hope I have succeeded.

This Challenge for me has been extremely energizing and exactly what I needed to kick my creative self into high gear.

"There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation."  -Henri Bergson

If you finished the Challenge, participated in the Challenge, wrote down the Challenges...please send me an e-mail with your address. I have a sweet, little book I created for you!!!  E-mail me @    leslieackman@yahoo.com

Creative Challenge Days # 30 & 31: Take time over the next 2 days and list all things creative you accomplished during the Challenge. Finish up any projects you started, too. Congratulations on finishing!! Be sure and let me know if you participated in the Challenge by sending me a message with your address!! I have a surprise for you;)

Girls, I am out of here for the next 7 days. My family and I leave for Washington D.C. Tuesday morning. We are looking forward to our trip of a lifetime!!!

I will be back next week. So much creative stuff coming your way in the next few months...excited!!!!

Exciting! {Day 22}

Happy Monday, girls. I love Mondays...time to start fresh. 

Well, only 9 days left of the 31 Days Challenge. Overall I am thrilled with what I have accomplished. So much creativity going on here;)

Here is today's Challenge...

Creative Challenge Day #22:Create a scrapbook layout or collage using the following prompts..."A turning point:To what or whom do you owe your position in life today?" "A class:Can you recall a course that took your career or interests in a new level?" "A hobby:How has your life been enriched by a decision to embark o...n a new pasttime?" (from CK magazine, April 2006)

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I want  you to make a "Daily Excitement List". It's from the article "How to Enthuse Your Muse" by Gail McMeekin. Here's what she says...

 

"Detail your passion and commitment to your creative project. What fascinates you and motivates your art? How does your art matter to other people or to the world? Read this list when you're stuck or stalled."

 

 

Have you ever even thought about creating a list like this? I hadn't till reading this article. I mean I have never detailed my passion or my commitment to what I do. Not even my writing which is passion number 1. 

 

So today, I'm gonna take out my journal and come up with something. I will be sure and share later in the week.

 

Let me know how you're doing.

 

Oh and one more thing. Check out my friend Leanne's Blog today. I LOVE her idea {and know you will, too}

Gearing up For 31 Days Challenge!!

Hey, Hey, Hey...


it's FRIDAY! WHa HoO!!!!!

Lots to talk about today...first off...it has been FOUR weeks since I've shared my Words with you. So...going back to July 2nd here we go!

June 25th-July 2nd: This was the week we packed for my 25 year class reunion and family reunion. Busy but exciting. It was also the week "Eclipse" came out.

My word is: JAM PACKED

adjective crowded, full, packed, busy, crushed, mobbed, cramped, huddled, swarming, overflowing, thronged, teeming, congested, populous

July 3rd-9th: Family reunion, Seminary Training in Platte City, Dinner Theater with Mom and this is the week we decided NO vacation due to our finances. So while, it was filled with all good stuff their was that underlying disappointment from not being able to go to New Mexico and Utah to visit friends. It was a week filled with humbling experiences. To admit that we just couldn't go on vacation to our kids and to our friends. It was hard.

July 10th-16th: I took the humbling experiences from last week and used them to figure out where we needed to go in our lives. My husband did the same thing. We both experienced an awakening this week. We were blessed with so much this week as a result of our humbling ourselves, too. This was an incredible week for us! We are so blessed:) 

July 17th-23rd: I started walking daily again this week. Creatively I am alive. I have taken this week to study my new Seminary class {that's a story for another post}, spend time with my kids, clean up my art space, create, write and be a kinder person. This week has been filled with lots of restoring of myself. My word is restore.

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Are you ready for the 31 Days Creativity Challenge that starts THIS Monday?! Remember if you don't know what that is please click here to read all about it!! Grab a button, too so others can join in.

Here are a few things you can do this weekend to be ready for Monday...

1) Create a space just for you. Even if it's a card table in your bedroom with a shoe box full of supplies or your kitchen table. Have a set place you can go throughout the 31 Days. The front porch or patio works, too:)

2) Buy a notebook or find one at home...or if you already have a journal  then have that handy. You will need this to write down any journaling prompts I give you or any thoughts you may have throughout the 31 Days. Remember the 31 Days is not just about creating with paper and glue but it's also about writing and just taking the time to be. 

3) "Like" me on FB. Here is the link or you can click on my NEW badge located to the right. Everyday throughout the 31 Days you will find quotes on creativity and writing and the importance of just being yourself. I will post challenges on Facebook as well.

**Important**

This Creativity Challenge is supposed to be fun! Do not put pressure on yourself. Creativity is all around us. It may be something as simple as you are at the park with your daughter and you notice the beauty of a flower and are inspired to create something using that image or writing a poem. Creativity is about looking at the world through different eyes.

“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.”  — Henry David Thoreau 

Use this challenge to begin seeing your entire world as inspiration. 

” Creativity is the quality that you bring to the activity that you are doing. It is an attitude, an inner approach – how you look at things . . . Whatsoever you do, if you do it joyfully, if you do it lovingly, if your act of doing is not purely economical, then it is creative.” –  Osho 

I hope you'll join me on this amazing and  mind changing activity!!

EVERYONE participating in the 31 Days Challenge be sure and let me know!! At the end of 31 Days I have a special gift to one lucky participant:)

Let me know...are you playing along?? 

Friday Favs

Hey, Chickies...how is it going today? I have a skip in my step as we approach the weekend. It has been a very good week for me. Life is good right now:)

So, ya' know how my Blog is called Words of Me Project? Have I shared last week's word yet...um, NO.

Try as I might Mondays just don't do it for me. I think because I do "Make My Monday" interviews. So I have decided to start sharing my word during my Friday Favs post. Makes sense...afterall words are my very favorite thing of all.

Last week was Girl's Camp. I was one of the cooks remember? also And while it was long hours and work it was also Fun! I met wonderful women from the area, amazing girls and I got to see my daughter giggling and making new friends, too. And I  was able to spend hours and hours with two of my best girlfriends!!

I'd have to say my Word from last week is....

INSPIRATIONAL

–adjective

1.

imparting inspiration.

2.

under the influence of inspiration; inspired.

3.

of or pertaining to inspiration.

Last week I was most certainly under the influence of inspiration!! 

{to be clear...since today I begin posting my Word on Fridays...I will be going from Friday to Friday} 

My Word from this past week has to be

FEARLESS 

–adjective

without fear; bold or brave; intrepid.

Love that "bold or brave". While I wasn't fearless against anything major like some bad person trying to do wrong or standing up for myself in some unpleasant situation...what I have done this week is stepped out of my comfort zone. I created a space so I could do my art. Just saying "do my art" sounds foreign and a bit silly coming out of my mouth.

I mean...I don't "do art". I'm no artist. I'm just a Mom, a housewife, a woman who has this deep down need {secret} to play with paper and glue and paint and words and ideas and inspirations.  

And yesterday I began. I used gesso. I painted. I used techniques. I collaged. I used a pencil to sketch something on my collage. I mod podged. 

I can't wait to do it again. 

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On with my Friday Favs for the week. 

1. Spending time being inspired by my darling daughter Emma. Love her fearlessness when it comes to ART! 

 That is Em on the left

2. Collage Blogs. Holy Moly there are DOZENS and DOZENS of amazing collage blogs out there!!! Check out these...you won't be sorry!!!

My Heartful Life

An Artful Life

Frosted Petunias {thanks, Leanne!!}

My Awakened Heart {Bev, you are amazing!!}

Vintage Bunny 

Love of Collage

Astrid's Artistic Effects  

Alexa Lett {she graciously did an interview here last month!!}

Like I said...be sure and check these talented and inspiring ladies out!! 

3. Date Nights. Yep!! My husband and I {and Em} are all going out tonight...dinner and a movie and I can't wait!

Have a magical weekend, girlies!!

Don't forget you can WIN a collage kit that I'm putting together of all sorts of goodies and you can win the book by Jillinan Michal's called "Master Your Metabolism".

Be sure and leave a comment below...become a follower and click HERE to "Like" me on FB! You will get an entry for each thing you do!!!  

Happy Weekend GIRLS!!

R U Ready for a Revolution?

Creative things happening at Words of Me Project and I can't wait! So ready to write, get to know myself better, bring all that's inside into my art...ready to inspire and be inspired. Ready for this....

and can't wait for this...

Two AMAZING books written by sisters Linda Woods and Karen Dinino.


Visual Chronicles came out first in 2006. Some of the chapters include...

*I'm just not artistic
*I can't write
*Nothing happens in my life
*I have no time

One of my favorite sections in this book encourages you to come up with a personal color palette to use in your art journals. The authors share that the color RED may be used to show anger, heat or love. While BLUE shows water, sky, calm or trust. However, as they state in their book you can use these guidelines or "turn them upside down" with your own color guide. I am making mine and will be sharing here very soon!

Journal Revolution: rise up and create! shares more ideas for journals, personal manifestos and other works of art created based on your emotions. Here is a sampling of a few chapters...

*Plan your attack
*Crack the code
*Take cover
*Trespassing Zone

This book gives you questions to answer so you can dig deeper, learn more about why you think a certain way then shows you artistic ways of expressing yourself on everything from art canvas to trading cards. Love these books!!

You can buy both books here and here.

Last week I "gathered my forces" into one small basket with handles so I can take it anywhere. Here it is...

Another shot of my "forces"...

Here is a list of some of my supplies. Most of them I already had.

watercolors
acrylic paint
scrapbook tape in several different designs {it 's the yellow with blue flowers in the photos}
a ruler
avery labels
colored pencils
mini alphabet stamps
chipboard journal discs from Urban Lily
several sizes of paint brushes
several sizes of foam brushes
chipboard words
word stamps from Heidi Swapp
lots of ink pads
a baggie with little treasures {brads, buttons, flowers, postage stamps, tickets and more}
sandpaper

I had so much fun gathering these supplies. Everytime I look at my basket I get so excited thinking of all the possibilites {my word for 2010 by the way!}
These books are full of so much that my head was swimming with ideas. Plus after getting my art basket ready I was inspired to CREATE! I decided to make a mini journal to put my ideas in. I love how it turned out!

I started with a mini chipboard album kit from Jenni Bowlin Studios. Love her stuff!! I took it apart and painted the chipboard covers a lime green.

I inked the edges black.

I really loved how the heart was cut out on the cover so decided to call my little book this...

"Journal my heart out".

Decided to put the date, too {I date EVERYTHING!}

Wanted to do something with the inside of the covers, too. Here is how they turned out.

This is on the front and here is what I put on the back inside cover.

That chipboard square is from Urban Lily from several years back. I use these all the time...so great for journals!!

I wrote "the good. the bad. the ugly." Because authors Linda and Karen encourage you to be REAL with this artistic endeavors.

Here's the back.

Now here are pics with the book put back together...

I know my little journal isn't perfect. But that' is why I am in love with these books. They aren't about perfection. So many times when we think of traditional scrapbooking it's all about cutesy and sweet and adorable. And while I enjoy scrapping those things and in that way I am ready to explore that side of me that takes what's inside and puts it on a piece of grungy cardboard, uses watercolors, bubble wrap and masking tape. It's gonna be hard to get out of the "proper" way to "do art"...but this is exactly what I need to break down those "perfect" walls and truly see what kind of artist I am.

I have always considered myself a "word artist". That's what writers do...create art with what they say. That's what appeals to me so much in these books "Journal Revolution" and "Visual Chronicles". It's putting WORDS with EMOTIONS with ART. For me, the perfect combination!!

I encourage you to try this, too!! Go to Amazon, buy one or both of these books!! Right now you can purchase them here for almost half of what I paid...

Even if you don't have the books...you can grab a basket and start "gathering your force". Put what speaks to you in your basket, sit back and just look at it. Your creativity will start running amuck and you will be so excited to create your very own art journals, too!!!

This is something I'm gonna be doing EVERY WEEK here at Words of Me. Sharing, creating, gathering, jouraling and inspiring. I sure hope you'll join me on this journey!!!

****I better share my WORD from last week as it's a good one!!

BEAUTIFUL

–adjective

1.

having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind: a beautiful dress; a beautiful speech.

2.

excellent of its kind: a beautiful putt on the seventh hole; The chef served us a beautiful roast of beef.

3.

wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying.

As I continue to lose weight and inches I am feeling more confident than ever!! I went clothes shopping and ended up finding the PERFECT dress! I have always and forever wanted a polka dot dress. I found one in a smaller size. I feel BEAUTIFUL in it!!

I also felt like my week was beautiful spiritually and emotionally. I felt the Spirit of gratitude fill my heart on more than one occasion last week. And finally I will leave you with a sneak peek of my Mother's Day celebration and this beautiful gift I was given...

{I will have the full story on this gift and lots of photos to share later in the week!!}

And my Word Is...PLUS "Make My Monday"

So, how was your weekend? Ours was so relaxing!! Saturday we got up early and headed to St. Joe for Em's soccer game. Tons of fun but very WET. {ugh}

We made it home around 11:30 am, made a bite to eat then took a nap. Now, I had every intention of just laying down for an hour or so but I ended up sleeping for 2! Thought I'd get up, maybe scrap, organize a closet and get groceries...but ya' know what? We all ended up watching Andrew Zimmer's "Bizarre Foods"!! Em and I did finally get to Wal-Mart and the movie store. We ended up watching "Yes Man" and the new, Oscar winning movie "Crazy Heart" {LOVED it!}. Before we knew it...it was 11 o'clock at night and time for bed. It was a perfect Saturday!!
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Mondays are AWESOME! I get to start fresh for the week AND share another interesting Blog and interview with you. Today's lucky gal is Trish from the super cute, way fun "Me and My Boys". Be and stop by her Blog today...love her easy going style...

Hey, Trish!! Thanks for the interview. I am so excited to get to know you better:) I found you on SITS {i think}. What I loved at first and made me want to read more was your "beachy" theme. Just so laid back...plus it reminded me of home! Tell us about your Blog Beach theme...

I decided on a beach them because we live 45 mins from the beach here in NC and we spent almost every weekend there(and still make it home in time for dinner)  the hubs and I also meet while we were both on vacation in Myrtle Beach...so it just fits who we are and how we became "us"

If you want the entire long story on that just head over to my blog and hit the ABOUT US button at the top....it will really knock your flip flops off!!!


How did you get into the blogging world? Tell us your story.

I was begged by a friend of mine to start one. Most of my family lives out of state so they enjoy the pictures and funny stories Kyle provides me to write about.


You often posts photos of your son...he is very adventurous. Actually it sounds like you all are!! What do you and your family spend the most time doing for fun?

Yes, Kyle keeps me very busy....I guess that explains why we stopped with just one child. Me & My Boys spent most of our time outdoors. They love to fish & hunt and since i am the only female in the house I just tag along. We love being on the water, either the beach or out on our boat. We also live on a creek so our summers totally revolve around the water.




Do you work outside the home?

yep, I stayed home with Kyle until he was 9 months old then I headed back out to the working world and adult conversation(that was before fb and blogging so it was very boring for me) I would love to open my own business some day but have no clue what I would even sell!



I love to hear what inspires other women. Tell us a few of your inspirations.

Kyle is the first thing that comes to mind. I don't want to be remembered as the mom who sat around on her butt all day while the kids grew up in front of the computer and tv(I'm lucky if Kyle sits still long enough to watch a 30 min sitcom!) so I get outside with him everyday. We walk, ride bikes, fish, walk the trails and play ball. He keeps me young.....and thats enough inspriation for me!

Since we're going for a beach theme here...if you were stranded on an island what 5 things would you want with you {excluding family}.

cellphone

ipod

Pina Coloda

a good book

and at leaset SPF 15 sunblock


On that same island...what 3 books would you hope to have with you??

the bible

anything by Nicholas Sparks

and a book that showed me all the poisonious spiders that live were I was stranded
I HATE SPIDERS!

Thanks so much, Trish for taking time out of your day to talk to little ole me. It has been fun chatting with you!

**Be sure and say Hi to Trish today {tomorrow works, too}. And while you're there grab a button for your Blog!!

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Okay, let's get to my WORD from last week. Life has been really, really great!! We are eating healthy, losing weight and living life. Add in all the warm weather we have been getting...lots of happiness going around the Ackman household:)My WORD is...

BRIGHT

1.

animated; lively; cheerful: a bright and happy child; a bird's bright song.

2.

characterized by happiness or gladness: All the world seems bright and gay.

3.

favorable or auspicious: bright prospects for the future. 

I have been thinking a lot about what I'm gonna do with my 52 WORDS from this year. Not sure yet if I'm gonna create a digital book with each Blog entry/Word in it or make something by hand...like a deck of cards or mini album. I'm leaning towards a digital book...never done that before and think it would be cool.

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I will draw the lucky winner of the journaling prize pack tomorrow. Be on the lookout for the winner {it could be YOU!}

Also...if you'd like to be considered for a "Make My Monday" interview...leave a comment below. I visit EVERY blog and if I love it, you could be the next feature!! {and I'm sure I will love it}

And, yes I changed up my blog look again. Just wanted something new in anticipation of my Blog makeover that is coming soon. Talked to Katie the other day and she is busy sketching it out for me. Can't wait to see what she comes up with!! If you are looking for a Blog makeover check out Flibby Pie Designs:)

Happy Monday!!

Interview with Alexa Lett

 Happy Wednesday!! Have I got a treat for you!! Today I am featuring {as part of my "Make My Monday"} a super, wicked talented lady... Alexa Lett. 

I found Alexa by one of those happy accidents. I was reading another  creative lady's blog  Rebecca Sower {that's another interview!!} and saw Alexa's link there. I clicked on it and was so delighted by what I found. Projects like this...

 Pretty amazing-huh? You know what is really crazy? I don't even sew...yet I am so inspired by her work. It can be adapted to scrapbook pages, journals. so many projects!! My favorite part about her art is how she incorporates words into all her pieces. Right up my alley.

Be and check out her blog "Artsy-Craftsy Merchant" .
But first...check out our interview below. I think you'll look at ways you create in a whole new way:)



What inspires you the most?

Inspiration can be found in the most unique way.  I am one who wants my house clean, meals planned, chores complete, bills paid….etc.  These household responsibilities nag at my brain filling my creative space, so these unfortunate deeds of life are done early in the day, leaving time for art.  When my brain is free of my yucky “to do” list I can enter my studio with wild abandon.  Time not clouded with life is probably my biggest inspiration!

Is there one piece you’ve created that is your favorite?  Tell us about it.

Being a Mom is my top priority.  She is quite a busy little bee leaving me to provide unlimited taxi service, team mom duties and loyal fan.  Often her sport will absorb the whole weekend leaving little time to step into the studio, so I had to learn how to make the studio come to me.  You can often find me sitting on the bleachers with my MMS (Mini Mobile Studio).  I’ve learned to create snippets of artsy stuff, they initially seem unconnected, yet when I get into the studio I think they some how begin to piece together.  The best creative moments happen when all these pieces are spread across the table and slowly they get designated a home.  I can look at a piece of art and associate what sporting event or  tournament it was birthed.  Plus, you would be surprised how many people gravitate to creativity…you can meet many kindred spirits!  Below are a few photos created this year at a volleyball tournament.

Can you share your professional experiences with us?  You have been published before, right and had your work featured on HGTV? 

Having the privilege and opportunity to be featured in national media outlets is…the bomb!  Face it, I can create all day in my studio, but having someone exchange their hard earned currency to make a purchase, hire me for my ideas, or feature my art, is confirmation that what I do is liked by someone other than me…and it sometimes brings in much needed revenue to further my “junking” habit… “baby always needs a new pair of shoes”. I am not at all blinded to the fact my buying market is but a teeny tiny minutia of the public.  What then becomes my task…is finding them.  Television, books and print media become that vehicle to reach liked minded artisans.  Every form of success, know matter what it is, opens the door for new creative adventures. 

Do you have a favorite spot to create?

Not really…creativity just happens for me.  I’m not one to do much premeditation.  It’s when my brain is not worrying about responsibilities that creativity can flourish and my lifestyle does not allow for a lot of seclusion in the studio.  My favorite spot can be found most anywhere.  Sometimes you just have to adapt.  Creativity should never be confined to one spot!

Let’s talk about blogging! When did you start and why?

I have always loved to write.  I stumbled into reading a few blogs by recommendation of friends.  Oddly, I have never been a journaler, but blogging is quite appealing to me.  It started blindly in the latter part of 2007…then it become cathartic…then it was like a drug…had to do it.  I love the interaction between artists and those who appreciate good junk; not to mention the sharing of creativity through photos and online conversation.  Blogging is my favorite new technology!  How did we ever communicate before it?

Any advice on how we as women can live a creative life and have a family?  It is so hard to find that balance so any thoughts would be appreciated!

Juggling family life, jobs, children, self-preservation, and creativity is overwhelming.  There is no defined combination of time and/or effort needed to accomplish all these tasks.  The only person who can define the necessity of each, is you.  Yea…we can all say “I am woman hear me roar!” but, actually being it is very difficult.  Learning to let go of some of the housework….buying some meals instead of making them…and creating a MMS will make life much easier.  Find your balance by trial and error….then remain perfectly clear of this...within 24 hours everything is going to change. 

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m a huge fan of words…love, love quotes!  Below is my mantra as of late.

“Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it!”  -Brock

{All photos are from Alexa!!}

THANK YOU so much Alexa for taking time out of your day to recharge our creativity and inspire us to take our passion anywhere!!!

**Be sure and visit "Arsty-Craftsy Merchant".  Make sure you leave a comment below with a link to your blog so I can come visit you today, too!!! Oh and let Alexa know you're stopping by from Words of Me Project!!:)

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I haven't told you my word from last week...it is...

TRIAL 

the act of trying, testing, or putting to the proof.

3.

test; proof.

4.

an attempt or effort to do something. 

With my new HCG plan I have been put to the test. It has been hard giving up carbs. I am still working on it but have become super frustrated. I will save that for another post {or just read up top my "30 Day Weight Loss Challenge}.