Time to Be True

"Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success."  -Swami Sivandanda


I am struggling in so many areas of my life right now. Since last November I have been trying to lose weight and just be healthy. Here it is almost 8 months later and I have only lost 10 pounds. I keep playing with the same 5 pounds. One week I am up one week down. It is driving me crazy. And what's worse than the lack of my weight loss is the fact I haven't reached ONE goal in MONTHS. Not even the simplest thing like getting my steps or water in daily.

I am a mess.
And it shows.

In my daily life, my artwork, my spirit.

My headaches are coming back with a vengeance. I am not sleeping well and my moods are up and down. Somethings got to change. It's time for me to be TRUE to me again.

A Brave Art piece I created a few years ago.

This morning I met with my Curves Coach and I admitted something to her and to myself...I don't think I am worth all the effort it takes to be healthy. I have been at my current weight and situation for so long that I just don't think I can ever break through to the next level.

How sad is that?

I am constantly thinking of others and taking time for them but when it comes to me...I just put myself on the back burner. And guess what?? It is taking it's toll.

So today, with the help of my Curves Coach Renee...we came up with goals to help me get back on track...all I gotta do is show up and BE BRAVE.

A page from my art journal

So here I am today, all my papers and planner spread out in front of me planning my week. I KNOW that when I plan...magic happens.

A page from my art journal

I am inspired to create a Quote journal...full of my favorite quotes that motivate me to STAY TRUE. I love it when I can combine art with my goals!!

A page from my art journal

So this week I re-commit to ME. I re-commit to loving myself enough to stay focused and REACH my goals. I know I can do this. I know that when I put my HEART into something...things get done!

"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."  -Vincent Van Gogh

What are ways that YOU get back on track when you feel like you have lost your way? I would love to know!!

My Creative process, Style, etc.

“Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul — and you answer.” ~Terri Guillemets


The amazing and fabulous Leanne with  From Chaos Comes Happiness has asked me to answer a few artsy questions about myself. This has been a VERY enlightening experience to say the least....I had never given these questions much thought until now. Thanks so much Leanne for this challenge!

What am I working on? Currently I am obsessed with stencils, spray ink and creating backgrounds.

Background in my Documented Life Planner...also playing along in the Color of Summer Challenge using turquoise, yellow and hot pink.

I find when I am knee deep in watercolor paper, art journals, paint, inks, stencils, stamps, vintage images and letters my creative spirit is unleashed and I get lost in my art. It is the best feeling ever!!

Some of my favorite images to use are vintage girls. I use them in most of my work.

I am also playing along with Tammy from Daisy Yellow...her ICAD Challenge is the BEST! The above image is one of my index cards from last week. The Summer of Color Challenge and Documented Life Challenge are also keeping me busy this summer. And I am finishing up The Walk with Brave Girls Club. LOVE their classes!!

Another ICAD from last week. The prompt was camera.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?  The Words and images I use are what's in my heart. Yes, I am aware that so many people use vintage images and birds and butterflies, etc...but what I am saying...what I am creating comes from ME. It's what speaks to me. We all have a different story to tell...my art is MY story.

A page from my art journal

3. Why do I create what I do? To encourage, uplift and inspire. Seriously...those words are in my heart...and when I create I want what's in my heart to be revealed in my art. 

One of my fave pieces of my Brave Art

I was at an art show one time...with all my art laid out on display. It was my first show and I was scared no one would like my work. I will never, ever forget this woman that came up to me, clutching one of my business cards to her chest. (my biz cards have my art on them) She looked at me and said "What can I give you for this?" I replied with a puzzled look..."Ma'am that is by business card...those are free." She answered..."Sweetie, your work is beautiful and it is speaking to my heart. Please never quit doing what you do." Then she handed me a dollar. She told me she couldn't afford to buy anything but she wanted to have something so she took my card. Oh my goodness!! I will NEVER forget that. If I never sold a piece of my work again...her words were enough. They filled my soul up that day and continue to do so!

Another favorite of mine to create are sweet, little houses.

4. How does my creative process work? I rarely go into creating something with an idea. I think that's why I love making backgrounds so much. I have no agenda...just my supplies, my favorite tunes and time. Once I get to spraying and inking and painting an idea will come. It so often depends on my mood, what's going on in my life at the moment. Quotes are a big motivation for me. Also images...I love working with these!!

To create pages like this...

Nowhere near finished but it's an awesome start!

I am a VERY visual person so I LOVE looking at Pinterest, Somerset Magazines and other blogs for inspiration!! My FAVORITE magazine is by Somerset Studios.

I didn't start creating until I was in my early 40's. When I was in 8th grade my art teacher told me I had no chance of ever being an artist...all because I couldn't draw. Ha! I have learned art is so MUCH MORE than whether or not I can DRAW. It is so sad to me that I let what she told me keep me away from my creativity for so long. I know that's why NOW, today I LOVE teaching mixed media classes to other women. I never, ever want a person to think she is not creative. We are ALL creative beings and have something to share with the world!!:)

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about me and my creative process. Please be sure and stop by these creative ladies blogs to learn all about them, too. They will have their post up next week!!

Jodene Shaw...one of my FAVORITE mixed media artists ever!! LOVE her work and her sweet spirit. Her faith appears in ALL her work!!

Joanna Grant....I "found" Joanne through my FB group Mind.Body.Soul.  Her backgrounds with the Gelli Plate are AMAZING!! Love her work and I can't wait to hear about her creative process!!!

Thanks again for sharing my creative process with me...be sure and stop by Jodene and Joanna's blogs next week for more inspiration!!

Create a Beautiful, Artful Life

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” 
― Neil Gaiman



So the past few months have been BUSY! And by busy I mean...little time for ART. The one thing in my life that calms me down, puts my life in perspective and allows me to be me. 

Sometimes with ART though...I find myself being too picky. Not creating for me but rather for someone else. Well, not actually for someone else...but in my mind I am comparing and telling myself that what I am imagining, what it is I like isn't enough.

*sigh*

I realize that my very favorite thing to create is backgrounds... I LOVE them!

One of my favorites in my Documented Life journal

I could quite possibly create backgrounds every single day, all day long. And for some reason I think that's "not right".

A background in progress...I LOVE stars!!

Honestly...what's not "right" about it?? It's MY ART for goodness sake! I am supposed to be doing this FOR ME!!!

Right??

Work in progress...I don't like this one yet but know after adding more and more layers I will:)

Two of my FAVORITE artists are Dina Wakely and Julie Fei Fan Balzer. What I ADORE most about these two women is there passion and color and how they EMBRACE their ART. They EMBRACE it!! They aren't afraid to create, let loose and LOVE their work!!! These two women inspire me like no other!!

More stencil/ink love...not finished quite yet

That "doily" stencil is one of my very favorites from the AMAZING Christy Tomlison...another of my FAVES!!


Gotta show you a close-up....

What I LOVE most about this background is the Dina Wakely inspired cursive writing. When I write on my backgrounds this way I know I can write with abandon...not caring what I say, knowing full well no one but me will see it:)

  Yesterday when I was creating all these I put on my favorite iHeart radio station, gathered my spray inks, my stencils and a few cut-out girl images then went to TOWN.

My DLP book inspired by Julie Fai-Fan Balzer

I was creating and letting go and ENJOYING the process.

It was magical.

And I thought...what keeps me from doing this every single day??

One of my favorite images to use in my journal pages are silhouettes of women.

I cut these images out of my daughter's TEEN magazine.

Don't you LOVE it?? Not sure how I will finish this one...but I have a great start!


What I learned yesterday is that the only person I ever really have to create for is ME. When I do that...my heart opens and spills out into my ART.

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” 
― George Bernard Shaw

Girls...spend this summer "making mistakes". Who cares if you aren't the perfect, amazing artist you think you "should" be!! Let's promise ourselves right this very minute we will make something every day. That we will let our muse out to play and inspire and do what FILLS our hearts with all that we love.  Create a beautiful life filled with ART.

A Hurting Heart....

“I just want to make sure Mama. Sometimes I don’t even know what I want. A lot of times I’m just tired.” 
Mama reached up and smoothed Liza’s curls away from her face. “Well darlin’, that’s the sign of a life being lived. I think we’re all tired when we’re giving it our best.” 
― Gwenn Wright, Katherine's Journal

This is my Mom.

This photo really captures her.

She can be oh, so silly!

She is strong

and kind.

My Mom makes everyone feel special

and welcome. 

She goes out of her way to 

be a friend.

She loves to make things pretty...

her table is always set with most beautiful dishes,

her yard is filled with flowers 

and fairies.

The front porch is a place for rest and relaxation

with its plants and comfy furniture.

She has a way with adding flair to everything!

My Aunt Ruth is on the left and Mom is on the right.

My Mom has such STYLE!

She pays attention  to detail...

from her clothes, to her jewelry, shoes and even socks!

She loves to look NICE.

{my Mama always told me "Leslie Dawn it's important to always look NICE!"}

My Mom LOVES hats!

Big hats, little hats, hats with lots of sparkle.

The bigger the hat the better:)

I believe in the power of prayer...

and my blog friends...

I need your prayers right now.

My sweet Mama needs your prayers right now.

It's Cancer and at first we thought it was ok...

but there is more than we may have thought.

And I am hurting..

my heart is breaking 

and I don't know what to do.

Please 

just

keep

praying....

xoxo

I Woke Up

Today 

i 

woke

up.

I mean 

REALLY

woke 

up.

I am feeling 

alive

&

ready.

To 

DREAM

and

write 

and 

create

BEAUTY.

What 

a 

Beautiful

summer 

awaits.

"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

Let's Take a Break!!

"Every life experience we have, makes us who we are today."

So I have been doing a LOT of thinking the past few months about how much time I spend on social media...I think we all do that right?? I mean I see posts and comments on Facebook all the time about this very subject.

One of my favorite artists is Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club...a few years ago she took a complete break from Facebook...sharing with us how she checked her phone every few minutes to see if anybody had commented on her posts...she said she was so caught up in seeing what everyone else was doing she forgot to live her own life...have her own experiences, make her own memories.

Beautiful flowers from a walk I took with my son last summer.

That's how I have been feeling lately...constantly looking at my phone...checking Facebook, Instagram, Timehop, etc. I find myself looking down at my phone instead of up at the world around me.

I want that to stop.

I heart rock I discovered on our farm a few years ago.

So the past week I have devised a plan for summer...one that doesn't give up social media completely. I mean I do enjoy keeping in touch with my friends and family on Facebook and taking Instagram photos is one of my favorite things to do! (And seeing YOURS)

One of my early Brave Art pieces


So here is what I have come up with...

Facebook will be taken off my phone...period. If it's not on there I can't keep checking it, right??

I am limiting myself to ONE HOUR a day on ALL social media. I plan on checking Facebook, posting in our Mind.Body.Soul. group, catching up with friends and my other groups first thing in the morning.

I may check again before bed...in case I have any messages...but only if I haven't used up my full hour that day.

I know myself...this is gonna be hard. As silly as that sounds...I know it will. Facebook is a great time waster:)

My Brave Art 

But instead of wasting time...here are my SUMMER PLANS:)

*spend time outside

*lots of walks

*CREATE

*ICAD Challenge

*Summer of Color Challenge

*BLOG

*get ready for my Art Retreat in October

*read a good book

*make so many amazing memories!!!

I would LOVE for you to join me on this Social Media Break!! It begins this Monday, May 26th and runs through Monday August 25th.

If you would like to join me let me know!! We can support one another!!:)

Being Me: The Final Weeks

Of all paths a man could strike into, there is, at any given moment, a best path which, here and now, it were of all things wisest for him to do. To find this path, and walk in it, is the one thing needful for him.  -Thomas Carlyle


Can't believe we are in the final weeks of "Being Me". When I started this nearly a year ago I honestly didn't know if I would finish it!! But here we are with the last 7 weeks of prompts.

Remember...you are NEVER behind!! If this is your first time here and you want to participate then go here. All 52 weeks will be here indefinitely.

Week 46:  Here's a question to ask yourself this week..."Where will I be exactly one year from this moment?"  For me looking back to this time last year...WOW how my life has changed!! And knowing what this summer may bring...I suspect I am in for quite a ride in the next 52 weeks. Be sure and create a page in your art journal with your predictions.

Week 47:  Spend some time thinking about your summer art goals. Summer seems to be the best time for me creatively. This year I plan on joining Tammy for her fun ICAD challenge....

This will be my third year participating in this fun and free challenge. Another one to try is Kristin's "Summer of Color"...

 Kristin always has the BEST give aways, too!! Last year I won a Dick Blick gift card!

Week 48:  Open up your art journal and see what pours out. I don't do this often enough!! Paste images, squirt your favorite colors of acrylic on your page or just start stamping an image. Don't think about it too much...just GO!

Week 49:  Always remember that life doesn't go as planned and it can be so hard sometimes!! But no matter what...it's important to take care of YOU!! I know this all too well from experience and I am still learning it. When life gets so stressful that I want to scream and eat everything in sight and just not feel anything...that's when I MUST hold on and take care of ME the most. As I type this my Mom just got a hold of me from her doctors visit....she has breast cancer. And as I type this I am thinking about my father in law...who we found out yesterday... has about 3 to 5 weeks to live from his pancreatic cancer. I am going insane....but I know that if I don't put me first right now I can never be of any use to them...and they need me now more than ever. So PLEASE take the time to eat right, take a walk, TALK to your friends!! PROMISE yourself you will do this!!

Week 50:  So I REALLY love this one...."James Joyce said that a man's errors are his portals of discovery. What mistakes have led to epiphanies for you?" Answer this question in your journal...I mean REALLY answer it:)  (taken from the book 642 things to write about)

Week 51:  Go have some fun! Play with your kids, your spouse, a friend...whomever!! Just go let loose and PLAY!!!

One of my favorite ways to play with my family is riding roller coasters:)

Week 52:  Let's GO BACK to our Mission Statement!! Re-read it...change it...tweak it...totally re-write it. Whatever it needs!!

There you have it!! 52 Weeks of Being Me!!! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!! Feel free to share the class and enjoy. It's for everyone!

I look forward to what's next on my blog...MORE art, MORE challenges and MORE inspiration!!!

Being Me-Weeks 40-45

"I 'm not a genius. I'm just a tremendous bundle of experience." -Buckminster Fuller


Here we are...just 12 more weeks of "Being Me"and we are finished!! I know I haven't posted much this past month...instead I have been learning and growing and just trying to breathe. WOW! What a hectic month it has been!

If you don't know what "Being Me" is...please go here. It's a 100% FREE journaling class. Lots of thought-provoking subjects to help you become who you really are. This is a  self-paced course...you are NEVER, EVER behind!!

Because I haven't brought you any new material in a month it's time for some POWER Blogging:) So here goes...5 weeks worth of "Being Me"...Weeks 40-45. Enjoy!!


Week 40: If you missed my post a few weeks ago about Being Brave then be sure and read it. Being Brave looks like so many things...including walking away from something you thought you truly wanted. Is there something in YOUR life you thought you just had to have? What does BEING BRAVE look like to YOU? Create a page in your journal.

Week 41: Have some reading fun!! Go to your favorite bookstore or local grocery store and pick up THREE magazines you have never read before. They can be craft, fitness, cooking...any magazine you may have wanted to read but haven't before. Who knows what kinds of inspiration you will get by doing this!

Week 42: Do YOU have a blog? Have you thought about blogging?? Through the years I have had several blogs. My current one "Words of Me Project" has brought me so much joy and friendship! This is my 716th post!!! I find by writing my TRUE SELF is revealed.

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” 
― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own

Even if you don't think you will ever keep a blog...at least begin a weekly practice of keeping a writing journal. I know we all love to ART journal...but I KNOW that writing our thoughts and memories down can be therapeutic and life-changing.

Week 43: Be BRAVE and JUST LET GO!! Buy a big canvas and just paint! This canvas was my first attempt at just letting go and painting. Inspired by one of my favorites...Flora Bowley.

Check out her book here. So worth the price!!

Week 44:  "Let the important thing be how you look at things and not what you are looking at."  -Andre Gide  I tend to be pessimistic rather than optimistic. I honestly thought it was the other way around but then one day I caught myself in a grumpy mood and realized I was making myself feel that way...rather than the situation. This has been huge for me and has allowed me to take full responsibility for my own actions. That old saying "Attitude changes everything" is so true. Is it time to check your attitude? Do you look at things with a disapproving view and hard heart? Or do you try  to see the very best in ever situation? I am working hard on this subject and hope you will be honest with yourself so you can change if you need to:)

Week 45:  Spend time with the ones you love. If there is one thing I have learned in the past year...I KNOW that family means everything and every minute you spend with them is time well spent. My daughter has needed me this year more than ever. She is my priority at this time and there is nothing that comes before her. Who in YOUR life needs you right now? What are some ways you can spend extra time with them?

Our "Being Me" journey is about to end...be sure and check out next week's post... Weeks 46-52 will be up!! I would love it if you would share our class with your friends and art groups. Let's spread the word! 

If you haven't checked us out yet...stop by and follow our Mind.Body.Soul face book group.

Change....

I am here.

Growing 

and learning.

Making decisions

that involve 

MAJOR

life changes.

What to do....

what to do.

Leave it in the Lord's Hand.

He knows 

just

where 

I 

need 

to be.

The Many Faces of Being Brave

"Only one feat is possible: not to have run away."  -Dag Hammarskjold

"Being Brave." 

We heart that phrase so often these days. 

"She did it anyway." 

"She was a brave girl."

All phrases I know by heart and use often in my journals and my art thanks to one of my favorite artists and people Melody Ross of Brave Girls Club.

If you don't know about this phenomenal group of over the top TALENTED and INSPIRATIONAL women then PLEASE, PLEASE go here. You will be so HAPPY you did:)

To me, Being Brave has always meant one thing...that despite the obstacles, the hard work, the FEAR  I would just do it anyway. I would 100% Go For It! But after taking all of Melody's amazing on-line classes, I have learned that Being Brave means so much more...and sometimes we are the Bravest when we just WALK AWAY.

If you read my last post {which seems like I wrote an eternity ago} then you know all about some big changes going on in my life. My son Jacks moving to Texas, my weight loss journey AND the biggest change of all...purchasing an existing art studio..."The Art Experience".

Before I go any further...I want to back up a little bit. We are talking about "The Many Faces of Being Brave" today. Being Brave means SO. MANY. THINGS.

That's my Mama in blue:)

Mom knocked on my door one afternoon last week, a bag of cat food in hand, with tears running down her face. She had just been to the vet for one last moment with Baby, her beloved cat of 12 years. For my sweet Mama Being Brave meant saying goodbye to a dear, sweet friend.

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball...something so unexpected it takes our breathe away. That's exactly what happened with my father-in-law Dave. Since February he has been living with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His doctors have given him 3 to 6 months. We are hoping for more...so much more. For my father-in-law Being Brave has meant facing this ugly disease head-on. Taking chemo, being sick and still managing to enjoy his family. Last week he made it up to Maryville for a turkey hunt with his sons.

I love this photo and will cherish it!! My father-in-law is SO BRAVE!!

Oh my SWEET, AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL girl!! Being Brave for this one has meant saying goodbye...For such a young girl she has had her share of goodbyes and I know how hard they have been on her. I am so PROUD at how she has handled them and SO PROUD of the COURAGE she has shown in the face of adversity. Love my GIRL!!!! Emma truly is one of the BRAVEST Brave Girls I know!!!!!

So let's get back to me and MY changes...what Being Brave has looked like for me these past few weeks. 

This is the art studio...the one I was GOING to buy.

It's beautiful. It has everything an art studio needs. The past month I have filled notebooks with ideas and To-Do's...class ideas and products. I was beyond excited with all the support and love people were giving me.

But then...

something happened.

When I got really still...

and started to really listen to my heart...

it didn't feel right.

Not one little bit.

I couldn't believe it!

How could this be??

This was my dream come true!!

Or so I thought.

When I really stopped to listen...

my heart was telling me what was important

and what it was I truly wanted.

I want to be here for my girl {she needs me so!!}

I want to reach my fitness goals {almost half way there!}

I want to teach at art retreats {ME in South Carolina this fall!!}

I want to HAVE an art retreat.

I want to create and write and inspire.

I can do all of those things here, in my studio at home.

I can reach out to all of you on my blog and on Facebook.

Being Brave for me has been so much more than listening to my HEART.

Being Brave has been ACTING upon what my heart was saying.

It has been telling people my decision to NOT buy the studio. {i have gotten so many funny looks}

Being Brave has felt so right.

So now I am ready to see where I go from here. I have so many things planned for my blog and our Facebook group. 

I feel free and happy.

I am at peace.

Have a Blessed Easter Friends!!

The Easter feeling does not end.
It signals a new beginning,
Of nature, spring, and brand new life,
And friendship, peace, and giving.
The spirit of Easter is all about
Hope, love, and joyful living.

Author Unknown

Week 39: Embracing Change

"The art of living does not consist in preserving and clinging to a particular mood of happiness, but in allowing happiness to change its form...happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up."  -Charles L. Morgan


The last month has been a whirlwind of change for me. It all started when  my 19 year old son Jackson moved to Texas.

Us last April in Kansas City

It is so strange not seeing or talking to my boy everyday. Yet I am managing OK and text or Snapchat him daily!

A welcome change has come in the past month...I have said NO to Can't and dropped nearly TWO sizes and feel fantastic about myself!! I am eating more veggies and fruits along with lean proteins and exercising regularly.

a page from my art journal

This month I went from sharing my son's laptop to having my OWN iMAC!!! It is pretty dang exciting!!!

I also rewarded myself with a new cut and color last week!! It's shorter and makes me feel young and free!

But perhaps one of the biggest changes this month is the making of a DREAM come true....

I am taking over an established art studio in my town of Maryville..."The Art Experience"!!

I still can't believe it's happening...yet when I look back on my artistic journey I realize it's what I have been working on for so long!

All the classes I have taken, the classes I have taught, the people I've met, this journey I have been on for nearly 7 years...it has all led to this...my very own place to do what I LOVE...what fills me up and gives me wings!!

I officially take over May 1st and am SO EXCITED to begin making the studio MY OWN!! Lots of re-arranging and things to add over the next few months!! By the end of summer we will be in a totally NEW location with new colors (aqua, yellow and red) and whole new feel!!! But for now I will be patient, take one thing at a time and teach, teach, teach. I just know I will be learning, learning, learning, too...lol.

You can stop by our website and check out all we have to offer and be sure and "Like" my Face Book page, too.

As we continue on our Being Me journey I want you to think about Embracing Change this week. We ALL go through change...sometimes it's all good stuff....other times it's hard and scary and yucky. I want you to talk about YOUR changes in your journals this week. How are you growing? What are you learning? Did you see the changes coming? Are you at the end of the changing process, the middle or the end??

Girls, I am so grateful for each of you and love reading your comments and seeing your work. I hope you have a happy and creative week!!! Be sure and share your journals with us in our FB group Mind.Body.Soul.

And remember...you are NEVER behind!! Stop by here to start your Being Me journey today...it's free!!:)