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.
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.
- My journals where published in the Spring issue of Art Journaling magazine by Somerset Studios
- I joined Jennifer Frith in her Weekly Sketch Book challenge
- I contributed 2 articles to the Declaration of You Tour
- Andrea and I took 2 trips to do Workshop Planning
- I joined the Cre8te Time art movement with other creative business owners
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
- Glamping Trip to Big Sur, CA
- Weekend vacation to the beach in Cayucos,CA
- Visiting family in Los Angeles, New York and North Carolina
- Amigas Retreat to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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
Appreciating the blessings I have
Intimacy
Being curious about others and moving
into a deeper connection with people
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?