Oh girls I can't believe the response to my e-class..."Being Me". Sooo crazy excited!!! I have been trying to visit everyone's blogs and/or leave a message for you. Some of you are hard to get hold of...lol. Just know I tried!!
Ok...to answer a few questions...
The only thing you really need on this journey is an open and willing heart. An art journal would be great along with either a notebook or some kind of writing journal. Of course paints and pens and little bits of this and that will add to the fun:)
I get my art journals at Wal-Mart or you can find them at any craft store. They run anywhere from 5 to 20 dollars. I use the mid-size ones generally which are about the size of an 8x10 photo.
Each Sunday night/Monday morning I will post that week's theme. You can find that here, on my blog. I will ALWAYS put the link on my Facebook page Mind.Body.Soul. If you haven't joined this please. This Facebook page is also where we will share our pages, discuss, etc.
Throughout the class I will be shariing photos and inspiration on Instagram. If you want to follow me there click here.
This class is completely FREE. I am just excited to bring this to you and just know you will grow and become even better!!! Please share with your friends, in your art circles, etc. I appreciate all you have done so far!! Don't forget to grab a cute blog button on the top left. My darling friend Leanne made that for us.
Cannot wait till we begin!!
Oh and if you have anymore questions...just leave it in the comment section or my facebook page.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Are YOU ready for 52 Weeks?!!?
Happy day to you girls!! It's been so very long since I sat a computer and just typed. Thanks to my Mom who invited me over this afternoon. Our computer will be fixed in a few more days...but I just couldn't wait any longer:)
In just a few more days my NEW and FREE and AMAZING e-class begins!! This Monday, June 3rd "Being Me: 52 Weeks of Soul Searching and Loving Me" starts and I can't wait!! This course is straight from the heart, Girls. I am putting every little piece of ME in this class. The idea came about because I was sick and tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger look back. When in the world did I become so frumpy and cynical and mad all the time?? Where had the fun and perky and sweet Leslie gone?? My energy had all but vanished, eating everything in sight and not caring AND my creativity has been at an all-time low.
This is NOT the way I want to live the next half of my life!!
Girls, this class was inspired by several of my favorite authors including...Jennifer Louden, Cheryl Richardson, Gail McMeekin and Sarah Ban Breathnach to name a few. Years ago when I was at a loss as to where my life was going it was these women I turned to for guidance and support. Over the past 6 months I have pulled their books out once again in hopes of finding some much needed answers in my life. While reading from Cheryl's book "Life Makeover" it dawned on my that I should be putting this all down in my art journal. During the making of my first page I realized that this would make a perfect e-class. I set about picking dates, writing it and really making sure this was something I wanted to commit to. I mean let's face it...52 weeks is a very loooong time to do anything. But I knew deep in my heart that I am not the only woman that needs something like this...there are hundreds of us that need to makeover our lives. And since my WORD this year is TRUE and I promised myself I would listen to my Heart...I knew this is what I had to do!!
"Being Me" is for anyone wanting to add more light in their life. Be happier. Be healthier. Just Be. You will need a new art journal for this journey as well as a notebook or hard bound journal to jot notes in and answer questions. Just so you know I am a notebook kind of girl...spiral bound...college-ruled:)
Each week will have a Theme. Some of them include..."Making Lists", "Give yourself time", "Procrastination" and "What Do you long for?". I will have them posted either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. We will work one week on each theme...making journal pages, sharing in our facebook forum and doing anything else you are inspired to do (eat better, walk, clean out a closet, etc.).
This class is 100% free. Please share with your friends, on facebook, in your creative circles, etc. I want as many women taking this as I can!! We can all learn so much from each other!!:)
You do not need to sign-up...but it would be great to know how many of you right now are planning on joining us. Please let me know in the Comment section:)
Oh, also...do not get overwhelmed. You DO NOT have to do all 52 weeks!! You don't even have to art journal...just take the information and USE it in your life!!
And one more thing...so sorry for the new Comment thing...I hated putting that on here where you have to type letters and numbers before you comment but I was getting weird comments (SPAM) and it was annoying...so for now that will stay on:)
Girls...spread the word!! See you Sunday night!!! YAY!
PS...Please take my cute blog button that my friend Leanne made just for me!!! I would love for you to share!!:)
In just a few more days my NEW and FREE and AMAZING e-class begins!! This Monday, June 3rd "Being Me: 52 Weeks of Soul Searching and Loving Me" starts and I can't wait!! This course is straight from the heart, Girls. I am putting every little piece of ME in this class. The idea came about because I was sick and tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger look back. When in the world did I become so frumpy and cynical and mad all the time?? Where had the fun and perky and sweet Leslie gone?? My energy had all but vanished, eating everything in sight and not caring AND my creativity has been at an all-time low.
This is NOT the way I want to live the next half of my life!!
Girls, this class was inspired by several of my favorite authors including...Jennifer Louden, Cheryl Richardson, Gail McMeekin and Sarah Ban Breathnach to name a few. Years ago when I was at a loss as to where my life was going it was these women I turned to for guidance and support. Over the past 6 months I have pulled their books out once again in hopes of finding some much needed answers in my life. While reading from Cheryl's book "Life Makeover" it dawned on my that I should be putting this all down in my art journal. During the making of my first page I realized that this would make a perfect e-class. I set about picking dates, writing it and really making sure this was something I wanted to commit to. I mean let's face it...52 weeks is a very loooong time to do anything. But I knew deep in my heart that I am not the only woman that needs something like this...there are hundreds of us that need to makeover our lives. And since my WORD this year is TRUE and I promised myself I would listen to my Heart...I knew this is what I had to do!!
"Being Me" is for anyone wanting to add more light in their life. Be happier. Be healthier. Just Be. You will need a new art journal for this journey as well as a notebook or hard bound journal to jot notes in and answer questions. Just so you know I am a notebook kind of girl...spiral bound...college-ruled:)
Each week will have a Theme. Some of them include..."Making Lists", "Give yourself time", "Procrastination" and "What Do you long for?". I will have them posted either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. We will work one week on each theme...making journal pages, sharing in our facebook forum and doing anything else you are inspired to do (eat better, walk, clean out a closet, etc.).
This class is 100% free. Please share with your friends, on facebook, in your creative circles, etc. I want as many women taking this as I can!! We can all learn so much from each other!!:)
You do not need to sign-up...but it would be great to know how many of you right now are planning on joining us. Please let me know in the Comment section:)
Oh, also...do not get overwhelmed. You DO NOT have to do all 52 weeks!! You don't even have to art journal...just take the information and USE it in your life!!
And one more thing...so sorry for the new Comment thing...I hated putting that on here where you have to type letters and numbers before you comment but I was getting weird comments (SPAM) and it was annoying...so for now that will stay on:)
Girls...spread the word!! See you Sunday night!!! YAY!
PS...Please take my cute blog button that my friend Leanne made just for me!!! I would love for you to share!!:)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A Sneak Peek
Wow...I am actually sitting at a computer...amazing!!! I am still waiting on ours to be fixed...so happy to be at The Art Experience today...catching up on blogs and now writing a post...yay!
The weekend was AMAZING! My son that I love with all my heart graduated from High School Sunday. The weather was just perfect...blue skies, sunshine and little wind. So many friends and family stopped by to wish him the best...it was AWESOME!! Lots of photos to share very soon:)
It seems like forever since I've created anything...just so busy {all good tho}!! This weekend changes all that...my fabulous cousin Missy surprised me with a fully paid scrapbooking extravaganza in Kansas City all weekend!!! We leave Friday morning and I can't wait!! Lots of girl time, good food, shopping and creating...thanks so much Missy!!!!
Are you in for our Life-Makeover Art Journaling class June 3rd?? This is more than creating, girls. This is 52 weeks of life-changing ways to create the life you want!! I will be taking the journey right along with you and can't wait to see where we go! Mark your calendars!! Lots more information coming next week. Here are just a few of our topics we will be covering....
*Give Yourself Time
*Are You a Giver or a Taker?
*What Do You Long For?
*You Gotta Have Faith
I am waaaay excited about our BIGGEST and COMPLETELY FREE art journaling course to date!!! Please share with everyone you know:)
Have a great week, girls!
The weekend was AMAZING! My son that I love with all my heart graduated from High School Sunday. The weather was just perfect...blue skies, sunshine and little wind. So many friends and family stopped by to wish him the best...it was AWESOME!! Lots of photos to share very soon:)
It seems like forever since I've created anything...just so busy {all good tho}!! This weekend changes all that...my fabulous cousin Missy surprised me with a fully paid scrapbooking extravaganza in Kansas City all weekend!!! We leave Friday morning and I can't wait!! Lots of girl time, good food, shopping and creating...thanks so much Missy!!!!
Are you in for our Life-Makeover Art Journaling class June 3rd?? This is more than creating, girls. This is 52 weeks of life-changing ways to create the life you want!! I will be taking the journey right along with you and can't wait to see where we go! Mark your calendars!! Lots more information coming next week. Here are just a few of our topics we will be covering....
*Give Yourself Time
*Are You a Giver or a Taker?
*What Do You Long For?
*You Gotta Have Faith
I am waaaay excited about our BIGGEST and COMPLETELY FREE art journaling course to date!!! Please share with everyone you know:)
Have a great week, girls!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Lots to look forward to!!
Hi, girls...oh how I miss you!! Our hard-drive went KA-PUT last week!! Soooo next week we should be back on-line and ready to go:) If you want to connect be sure and stop by my facebook page!!
My amazing son Jackson graduates this Sunday at 2pm from High School...I truly can't believe it. Where in the heck did the time go?? Lots of fun to be had this weekend seeing family and friends!! We are having a BIG celebration!!
Be sure and mark your calenders for June 3rd. Our FREE Life Makeover art journaling class starts!! I promise this will change your life!!!
One more thing...the most AMAZING thing has happened to our family!! The MIRACLE we have been praying for since September...has HAPPENED!! I will share all about it in my blog next week!!
What is going on in your world, girls?? Please share!!!!!
My amazing son Jackson graduates this Sunday at 2pm from High School...I truly can't believe it. Where in the heck did the time go?? Lots of fun to be had this weekend seeing family and friends!! We are having a BIG celebration!!
Be sure and mark your calenders for June 3rd. Our FREE Life Makeover art journaling class starts!! I promise this will change your life!!!
One more thing...the most AMAZING thing has happened to our family!! The MIRACLE we have been praying for since September...has HAPPENED!! I will share all about it in my blog next week!!
What is going on in your world, girls?? Please share!!!!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
52 Week Life Make-Over
"Art is not a part of life, it is not an addition to life, it is the essence of those pieces of us that make us fulfilled. That give us hope. That give us dreams and provide the world a view very different than what it would have been without us."
Hasan Davis
Art and healing go hand in hand. I know that when we are lost and scared and hurting...creating can take us to a place of peace and love and hope. I am so grateful for the serenity my studio brings me. Making art is time well spent.
Girls...I am ready to shake up my life...change and grow and become. I am ready for a Life Makeover and want to take you with me.
It is TIME for living TRUE. It is TIME for freeing our spirit and mind and Embrace all that we are!!
Beginning Monday, June 3rd join me for 52 weeks of artsy ideas, soul-searching prompts, images and words that speak to your heart and will help you move forward in your journey.
Hear from other artists and bloggers to find out what feeds their passion and creativity. This course will encourage you to set weekly art goals, take care of your body and feed your spiritual self, too. It's a 52 week Life-Makeover and it's completely FREE!!
Stay tuned for more details as well as a button for your blog!! Be sure and share with all your artsy friends, too!!!
Questions?? Leave me a comment!!!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Artist Inspiration: Sarah Ahearn Bellemare
 |
| Sarah's work |
I absolutely ADORE mixed-media artist Sarah Ahearn Bellemare!! She is a burst of HAPPY! The first time I saw her work was in a Somerset magazine and I went NUTS!! Her work is so simple, so bright and cheerful. It inspired me to paint my very own canvas...I LOVE the results!!
The canvas is 11x14 and filled with bits and pieces of my favorite epherema.
I used very watered down acrylic paints, stamps and pencil.
The quote I used was actually taken from one of Sarah's pieces...it is now one of my all-time favorites!
Here is my finished piece!! It hangs in my studio and makes me smile every time I see it. I plan on painting many other Sarah inspired pieces in the coming months. This was just so much FUN!
Be sure and stop by her blog...I think you'll really like it:)
What artist is inspiring YOU lately??
Monday, April 15, 2013
Free Art Journaling Course
“Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it” – Dee Hock
When it comes to my creativity...I am moving right along and loving it!! It seems I have found my niche and that is teaching. I LOVE seeing women who have never even thought about being creative...create something!! The sparkle in their eyes and joy on their face is priceless!!
Throughout the summer I have scheduled nearly a dozen classes at our local art studio where I hope to teach and empower many more women. We are ALL creative souls!! All of us!
Speaking of teaching...it's time for another one of my FREE e-courses. Girls...I have so much fun coming up with these prompts and ideas and just can't wait to share what I have thought up this time:) I will tell you it is BIG and I PROMISE that as we go along...this course will change your life!! It will....and mine, too. Sooo excited to share!! Be on the lookout for ALL the details and blog button very soon!! This course will begin on Monday, June 3rd.
“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.” – Osho
When it comes to my creativity...I am moving right along and loving it!! It seems I have found my niche and that is teaching. I LOVE seeing women who have never even thought about being creative...create something!! The sparkle in their eyes and joy on their face is priceless!!
Throughout the summer I have scheduled nearly a dozen classes at our local art studio where I hope to teach and empower many more women. We are ALL creative souls!! All of us!
Speaking of teaching...it's time for another one of my FREE e-courses. Girls...I have so much fun coming up with these prompts and ideas and just can't wait to share what I have thought up this time:) I will tell you it is BIG and I PROMISE that as we go along...this course will change your life!! It will....and mine, too. Sooo excited to share!! Be on the lookout for ALL the details and blog button very soon!! This course will begin on Monday, June 3rd.
“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.” – Osho
Monday, April 8, 2013
My Soul Neighborhood
“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.”
― Hugh MacLeod, Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity
With our lives on the edge of chaos this past 18 months, creativity has been the one quiet and sure place I can go to find comfort. Painting, gluing and doodling has a way of healing my heart and making me feel whole again. I am so grateful for it!
Last summer sometime my blog friend Becca wrote a post on her "dream neighborhood". She shared how cool it would be if only those people in our life that lifted us up and supported our dreams could be our neighbors. I loved her idea and was totally inspired to create my very own Soul Neighborhood on canvas!!!
I actually started this last summer but had trouble getting it just right. It's the largest canvas I have ever worked with and to be honest I was quite intimidated by it. You can't tell but this piece has sooo many layers...I kept painting and re-painting it...lol. I FINALLY finished last Saturday!! It has been sitting in my craft closet and I was just in the mood to get it done!! Sooo excited to share my "Soul Neighbor-Part One" with you!!!
So when I was planning this piece I thought about all those amazing women that uplift me, motivate me and inspire me with their creativeness, love and style. Before long I had over a dozen women!! I knew I wanted my houses to be pretty large...so this is just part one. I hope part two doesn't take as long...lol.
The cute skinny house on the far left is Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club. Melody never ceases to amaze me!!!!
By taking her classes and being a member of Brave Girl's Club I have learned how to truly listen to my heart!!
Right next door to Melody is my dear friend Leanne from "Chaos Comes Happiness". She has been one of my biggest suppporters, creating my blog look (I LOVE it!!) and always being there for words of encouragement.
The words to the left of the flower read "She was so grateful". Leanne is soooo amazing with her family and sooo grateful for them. She has lifted me up on many occassions with stories about her daughters. She is an amazing mom!!
I chose the drama masks since she loves the theater and that Julia Child quote fits her philosophy so well:)
Next in line is the very talented writer and artist Courtney Walsh. Courtney was near the top of my list for many reasons!! Not only is she a super talented writer and scrapbooker but she her spirit-filled heart connects with mine. She lives her faith and it is so evident in all that she does.
She is a definite must in my Soul Neighborhood!!!
Next door to Courtney is another blog friend and mentor...Jodene Shaw.
Jodi lives on a ranch in South Dakota and LOVES taking photos of sunflowers and birds. Her mixed-media art and love of Jesus Christ is what I love most about her!!! I have watched her blossom into a very talented photographer, artist and teacher. Her art speaks to me and makes me happy:)
The last friend in my Soul Neighborhood is the whimsical and darling Kristin from "Twinkle Twinkle". Not only is Kristin a super talented mixed-media artist who has been published several times in various magazines...but she is also sweet, charming and crazy about her cutie patootie, dinosaur loving daughter Kendra.
I think this quirky, little house with lots of sparkle and bling is perfect for her:)
So there you have it...my perfectly happy "Soul Neighborhood-Part One".
I hope you enjoyed your visit!!
― Hugh MacLeod, Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity
With our lives on the edge of chaos this past 18 months, creativity has been the one quiet and sure place I can go to find comfort. Painting, gluing and doodling has a way of healing my heart and making me feel whole again. I am so grateful for it!
Last summer sometime my blog friend Becca wrote a post on her "dream neighborhood". She shared how cool it would be if only those people in our life that lifted us up and supported our dreams could be our neighbors. I loved her idea and was totally inspired to create my very own Soul Neighborhood on canvas!!!
I actually started this last summer but had trouble getting it just right. It's the largest canvas I have ever worked with and to be honest I was quite intimidated by it. You can't tell but this piece has sooo many layers...I kept painting and re-painting it...lol. I FINALLY finished last Saturday!! It has been sitting in my craft closet and I was just in the mood to get it done!! Sooo excited to share my "Soul Neighbor-Part One" with you!!!
So when I was planning this piece I thought about all those amazing women that uplift me, motivate me and inspire me with their creativeness, love and style. Before long I had over a dozen women!! I knew I wanted my houses to be pretty large...so this is just part one. I hope part two doesn't take as long...lol.
The cute skinny house on the far left is Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club. Melody never ceases to amaze me!!!!
By taking her classes and being a member of Brave Girl's Club I have learned how to truly listen to my heart!!
Right next door to Melody is my dear friend Leanne from "Chaos Comes Happiness". She has been one of my biggest suppporters, creating my blog look (I LOVE it!!) and always being there for words of encouragement.
The words to the left of the flower read "She was so grateful". Leanne is soooo amazing with her family and sooo grateful for them. She has lifted me up on many occassions with stories about her daughters. She is an amazing mom!!
I chose the drama masks since she loves the theater and that Julia Child quote fits her philosophy so well:)
Next in line is the very talented writer and artist Courtney Walsh. Courtney was near the top of my list for many reasons!! Not only is she a super talented writer and scrapbooker but she her spirit-filled heart connects with mine. She lives her faith and it is so evident in all that she does.
She is a definite must in my Soul Neighborhood!!!
Next door to Courtney is another blog friend and mentor...Jodene Shaw.
Jodi lives on a ranch in South Dakota and LOVES taking photos of sunflowers and birds. Her mixed-media art and love of Jesus Christ is what I love most about her!!! I have watched her blossom into a very talented photographer, artist and teacher. Her art speaks to me and makes me happy:)
The last friend in my Soul Neighborhood is the whimsical and darling Kristin from "Twinkle Twinkle". Not only is Kristin a super talented mixed-media artist who has been published several times in various magazines...but she is also sweet, charming and crazy about her cutie patootie, dinosaur loving daughter Kendra.
I think this quirky, little house with lots of sparkle and bling is perfect for her:)
So there you have it...my perfectly happy "Soul Neighborhood-Part One".
I hope you enjoyed your visit!!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Easter Fun!
These two little cutie patooties are growing up sooooo fast!
And even though a part of me is sad...I am enjoying them so much as young adults!! The best part is our family has gained two more kids...Jourdain and Bailey.
Saturday night we had everyone at our home for home-made chicken enchiladas and coloring Easter eggs!! We had such a wonderful time!!!
Love my Jackson and his girl Bailey!! She is bright and colorful and just so much FUN to be around! Love her positive attitude:) She is a burst of sunshine!!!
Emma's missionary finally made it to our home Thursday afternoon.
Em met Jourdain while he served his 9 months of his mission here in Maryville. My husband Dave drove to California and picked him up last week!!! He is so wonderful!! We all love him:)
After church on Easter Sunday I made the kids keep their church clothes on a bit longer for photos...
As you can see Jackson was quick at getting his jammies on;)
Another picture of Em and Jourdain...
Yes....he is TALL...6'7!!! He played basketball at Utah Valley in Provo.
A family photo...
Love all of us together!! My family means the WORLD to me!!:)
Girls, I hope you had a blessed Easter and look forward to seeing your photos you post on your blogs.
I have some life-changing news to share with you tomorrow!!!!
LIFE CHANGING!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
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!!!
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!!!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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.”
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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!!!!
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!!!!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
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
― 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
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