Monday, December 30, 2013

2013...A Year In Review

Photography by Orbie Pullen

2013 was a wonderful year...

We are approaching a brand new year and before the clock strikes midnight, I want to take a moment to thank you for connecting with me through this blog, attending our classes, responding and sharing your comments on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. It's been great, getting to know you over the last year.  I enjoyed reading and responding to your blog comments and visiting your blogs to see your creations. Thank you for sharing your creativity and allowing me the space to share what I love most about art and creativity. 

In 2012 I declared that in 2013 I would "Love what I do and do what I love". When I wrote those words, I thought I would teach more classes and create more art work.  When I look back at the events from 2013, I can see that I discovered the essence of what  I love to do... 
inspire and be inspired

I discovered that not only do I love to teach and create art work but I also  I love to create an energy of inspiration and beauty everywhere I go.  Inspiration lights a fire in people that I love to experience over and over again. I love seeing someone see and experience something in a new way. I love when someone sees a possibility, where they may not have seen a possibility before.

Artists I Love...
This year a few artists  lit a fire in my creative spirit and I am ever so grateful for their inspiration  ...

New connections...
I'm a bit of an introvert, so over the years I have consciously practiced doing things that scare me to get me out of my comfort zone.  I stepped out of my comfort zone this year to connect with you on this blog, other artists on their blogs, and with new friends. I ventured into new territory by sharing about my life growing up in Maryland and about my family on this blog. In the process I got to learn more about you, as you responded and shared your stories with me. I feel a lot more connected to my creative community. I am so grateful.

I also connected with other artists, learning more about their creative process.

Traveled...
I love to travel but I don't like to fly.  It's the little seats and the packing that stresses me out, so we traveled local and I had a few trips long distance...and it was wonderful

Boost workshops...
Each year I look at my workshops and think of ways to expand each student's experience of the creative process. I even ran a survey mid year to learn about what students might want to learn about in class. As a result we updated the lesson plan and added ...
  • New tips and tricks for creating great Vision Boards in My Vision Board workshop
  • Creative games in the Juicy Soul Retreat to help students practice new art techniques in a playful way.
  • I created Art Supply Haul blog posts to share my favorite art supplies and encourage students to use everyday items in their creative work. 

Making things work for everyone
(that includes me :) )


It's not easy to manage life and make time for art and creativity but this year I managed to do some pretty creative things just by planning them in advance and marking time off in my calendar. 
  • We did our first Family photoshoot with a wonderful photographer ... Orbie Pullen
  • I worked out consistently with my trainer .. Bethany
  • I finally realized that organization is part of my creative expression. I embraced my inner organizer and made some improvements around the house to keep it cozy and beautiful.
  • I journaled weekly and on vacations using my traveling art studio.




Special Thanks...
to all the wonderful people that are in my tribe who continue to encourage, support and give me a soft space to land. I am ever so grateful for your loving support.
  • My Peeps: Andy and Dexter
  • My Family: Mom, Dad, Damian, Donnie, Ronnie, Jennifer, Helen and Robin
  • My Besties : Christine, Carole, Adi, Marcia, Lupe, Diana, Soizic and Janis
  • My Trainer: Bethany
  • My Creative Soul Sister: Andrea
  • My Culinary Inspiration: "Crawford"

Looking forward to 2014...
My 3 words for 2014...


Peace of Mind 
There is power in an uncluttered mind
Gratitude
Appreciating the blessings I have

Intimacy 
 Being curious about others and moving
into a deeper connection with people



I'm feeling really creative these days. I have lots of great ideas for the business and for my family.  

  • I'm really looking forward to more collaborative projects with other artists. 
  • I want to learn more about how to get more of my work out there. 
  • I want to stay true to my intuitive urges to create and create environments for creative expression. 
  • I also want to move in to video production for some of my creative techniques.
  • I want to continue to be inspired and provide inspiration.
  • I just want to have lots of fun and live in beauty.


    Welcome to 2014!!!!
What are your plans for 2014?

Collaborative Canvas




During the holiday break, Andrea and I worked collaboratively on a large piece of  canvas in preparation for the Juicy Soul Retreat. It's a great way for us to connect on a deep level as teachers and prepares us for the next season of creative retreats. This canvas will be used to fashion something special for the retreat.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Dexter trip to see Santa



 

We have an annual tradition of taking Dexter to see Santa at the local Pet Smart. It's alot of fun seeing his reaction and meeting all the other pet families that are there with their animals. Before I became a pet parent I would turn my nose up at people that do this type of thing but once you enter the world of pet ownership all bets are off!  So we are those people who dress our dog up, kiss him on the lips and take him to see Santa. 

This year Dexter was not interested in seeing Santa, he wanted to play with the other dogs waiting in line. So each time we put him on Santa's lap he would punch him in the face, try to rip off his beard and make a run for the door.  (Santa was not hurt in the process)

Santa was a good sport and we all laughed until we cried. So these are some of the better photos of Dexter's trip to see Santa and 
I hope they capture the spirit of our spirited little pup!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Words to Inspire: Celebrate




“Out of the mists of our long oppression,
We bring love for ourselves and each other,
And love for the gifts we bear,
So heavy and so painful the fashioning of them,
So long the road given us to travel them. A separate people,
We bring a gift to celebrate each other,
’Tis a gift to be gay!
Feel the pride of it!”
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Harry Hay