Change

It's after one in the morning and it's me and Espe (Esperanza Spalding) rocking out together. I've taken a pretty extensive nap after all of the days festivities and find myself unable to sleep. I am plagued with my own thoughts of change.

I haven't written in a while here. To be exact I haven't written in a while anywhere...my personal journal included. I could make excuses (all that would be true), but none of them really matter in the grand scheme of things since the outcome is the same....very little movement toward what I know I need to do.

I'm knowing that a change is coming and the hardest part is wrestling to flow with that change. Change for me means letting a lot of things go that I so enjoy. It means sitting with myself...still, and confronting things I've masked with being busy. You know...the important things that get looked over because you have tuckered yourself out with non-essential stuff and perhaps even non-essential people.

I know...it sounds so harsh, but so very true! It's a horrible vicious cycle really. Time passes and then passes more and then even more. It passes through a sieve slowly until it's completely gone. It's wasted and before you know, you get to this point where the year is over and you are lamenting precious moments lost.

So changes need to be made! They may seem drastic to some and totally unexpected to others, but I've been thinking about them for months. I'm very unsure what these changes will mean for my future, except I know that I must follow the direction I feel I've been given by the Holy Spirit that lives within me.

These changes are going to require me to dig really deep...deeper than I have ever had to dig before. They are going to require me to trust God and those He has placed in my life on a whole different level. They need me to focus and flow all at the same time, which if you know me...can be somewhat difficult.

So change here I come. I'm hunting you down, albeit with tears in my eyes remembering that change is a good and needed part of the journey. And once I've captured you, I will remain positioned there until my next assignment!

Your Thoughts:
What changes do you need to make? Are you apprehensive about making those changes? If so, why?

Until next time...

A Week's Recap

It's Monday all over again people and I am getting this post in at the last minute. It's for good reason though! Last week was a whirlwind really, and I see it being that way for the next couple of weeks. Nothing I cant handle, just a tad busy!

A few months ago I spoke of things not panning out quite like I thought that they were going to. There were a few things that I had on my agenda that seemed to be guarantees, but ended up falling through for that particular time. Well...the right time has come around and things have really started to take off!

Last Thursday was my first day back in the classroom. It's been about 12 years since I have taught art in the school environment, and I must say this go round was so much more than what I remembered it being in the past.  The kindergarten through 5th grade kids were amazing to say the least! They were engaged, attentive and exploratory with the medium they were given.

Their first weeks project

During the first class they learned about color theory, line, shape, and positive and negative space. The medium they used was paint, and they did a little teamwork at the same time!

I look forward to working with these students for the next few months. I look forward to opening them up to viewing art in a totally different way. I look forward to seeing their eyes light up as they learn new things about art and their creative process. I simply look forward to seeing them develop into all that they were created to be. If I can have a hand in that...I am truly blessed!

All of this goes to show that good things come to those that wait, but not in vain. See I didn't sit by waiting idle. While I was waiting I was continuing to do what I felt led and guided by God to do. Despite what things looked like, I didn't stop creating curriculum's. I didn't stop honing my craft. I didn't stop working on my business.

I kept MOVING...as you should when things seem to not add up as you expected!

The weeks ahead will go by fast, but look out world...you have lots of little gems on the horizon ready to take over!

Your Thoughts:
What have you been waiting patiently to happen? What are you continuing to do while you wait?

Until next time...

A Vow Renewal

Good day folks! I do pray that everyone had an absolutely fabulous Thanksgiving.  We all really have so much to be thankful for!

Black Friday was all but black for me. I know...it's not a dismal term like I previously thought,  but has to do with sales being in the black (a good thing for retailer's). I spent a lot of time in my studio, which (I am embarrassed to say) I haven't done in a long while.

What drove me there was a painting that I was requested to render for a vow renewal on Saturday. I know...it sounds like somebody(me) waited until the last minute to get things accomplished.  And while that is half the truth, the other half of the truth is that I hadn't really gotten a direction in which I needed to go until then. It happens that way often for me. It will be the last minute until the inspiration for a piece comes, although this piece was a bit different.

This go round I was given a vision of what the painting needed to be. You can call it a somewhat commissioned piece. While I had the vision of the person who was asking me to create the painting, I still needed inspiration as to how to execute.

That inspiration came Friday morning, and I was glad to go down into my studio. The execution took longer than I expected. 

I ripped out pieces of bible verses to use as the underlay. I did a thin layer of gesso over top so that the verses could be seen, but in the background. I then created the base of the tree and it's branches. Since folks were  going to be putting their fingerprints on it as the leaves, I decided to blot the branches with fall colors for a foundation for the fingerprints to go over top of. And to add a personal touch, I added a piece of poetry within the roots tailored for the couple speaking of their relationship.

I had a grand time with this piece. I'm blessed to have been asked to create it.  The couple that it was done for is truly spectacular.  They have a marriage that is to modeled by many!

Your Thoughts:

What inspired you today?

Until next time...

The Need For An Artistic Community

(work done by and amazing fellow artist and IG friend Kelly. Check out her blog over at kellysartjournaling.blogspot.com)

I'm crafting this post from my bed. Not only am I crafting this message from my bed, I'm using the speech to type method. I just don't have the energy.

It's early in the morning, and yesterday was that kind of day. You know... pensive, sullen, dreary...just plain ole' blah. It's been the type of day where I've had to make myself show up. One of those days that I have talked about in previous posts where I think I deserve a down day because of a day or two of previous hard work. 

I really need to work on what to call days like this. The days where my purpose/passion seem to be more arduous than my love for my craft. The days that are less unproductive than others.The days that my head isn't quite in the game or perhaps so deep in the game, I'm debilitated. The days that I doubt where I'm going on this journey as an artist. 

I really need a name for it. No really! A name would give me something to call out and explain (way better than trying to explain a feeling). I would put a list here, but the reality is...I can't think of anything quite clever enough to even warrant a name. 

I am starting to realize that my sense of blah may be coming from the need to live, breath and eat in an artistic community. I read an article last night that a friend posted on Twitter weeks ago called, "Why Your Friends Shape Your Happiness, Creativity, and Career" over at fastcompany.com. The article was interesting and re-affirmed what I've been thinking and writing about a lot.  My favorite quote from the article (and there were many fabulous ones), "When you are in the business of creating new products, ideas, or technologies, " he says, "you need to be close to other people who are in your field." ~Enrico Moretti. 

It seems so simple! We pull from others so that we ourselves can produce greater works. That's part of learning right! That's why we study the greats, have mentors and shadow others. All so that we can ultimately impact our creativity and productivity in new ways! 

I've started to make moves, and am determined to see those moves manifest by this time next year!

So despite how I felt today, I managed to get somethings done. I have been so crazy busy with creating, life and writing curriculum's for this upcoming month (which I will talk about in posts to come) that I haven't updated my Etsy shop as planned.

This weekend I took the time to do some product photography and will update the shop later this morning with a few more items. There is definitely more to come. I actually am on schedule to put things in the shop at least once a week from here on out. My old schedule of stocking the shop almost everyday was a joke. I mean, who was I kidding?

I have come up with a few new jewelry ideas and that will be reflective of the new stock. I do hope that you all enjoy the pieces! Take a gander http://www.etsy.com/shop/exo31art

Well I suppose that is it for now. Yesterday may haven been a bust (or half a bust), but tomorrow proves to be a brand new day bubbling with new opportunities!

Your Thoughts:

Do you have a name for your "blah" days? What are some specific things that you do to come out of the rut?

Until next post...

I Have Enough Time!

Today there is so much to do and so much time to do it! I know that doesn't make much sense. Shoot, it didn't make much sense to me when it was divinely given, but the more I thought about it, it makes perfect sense.

Yes, there are a plethora of things to get done. I mean, we all have a long list of things to do. There are blogs, curriculum plans and seminars to be written, items to be knit or crocheted, jewelry to be made, and paintings to be painted. Oh yeah...that's my list of to-do's, but I can imagine yours are just as swamped!

But here's the thing I came to realize this morning...there is enough time to get everything done that we are planted here on this Earth to complete. I know, I know, this sounds funny coming from the girl that would always complain about there not being enough time in the day to get things done! But it's so true..hear me out!

I'm of the school of thought (because of my beliefs) that God won't put more on you than you can bear. And if that indeed is true, I believe that time is included. First, I believe that He wouldn't give you a spectacular vision to complete a task without giving you specific instructions. That's like a parent giving their young child a chore to complete and expecting them to complete it properly without giving them proper directions. We all know that doesn't happen (for proper parents, at least). Those specific instructions given probably include how, when, where, and why or who to seek about the how, when, where and why. Then, we simply are to follow them.

I can only speak for myself, but most times when I have become overwhelmed it is because I have failed to follow the specific instructions given. I get to the point where I think the instructions that I have been given aren't working (because I can't physically see them working) or aren't working fast enough. I get in the driver's seat and not only try to help God out, but flat out try to take over.

It's at that point that I am like a fish out of water. I'm flapping around trying my best to get things done to no avail. I feel overworked, overwhelmed and super tired, to say the least.

Today I am feeling less apprehensive about things. I'm feeling a lot less scared about what the future holds. I've been given marching orders long ago, and following them has become important to me. Now I'm in no way confident in my skills alone, but I am confident in His. I have a ways to go and lots of steps to take, but being on the right track makes those long ways not so long, and those steps to climb not so steep!

So yup...there is enough time!!!

Your Thoughts:
Do you have a plan, but feel like there isn't enough time to execute that plan? If so, have you made sure that plan is the plan that you are put here to execute?

Until next time..

The Why

It's Monday again! It came around so fast!

Since I last posted lots of things have manifested, and I don't necessarily mean so much in the natural either. They were simply some things that have become obvious and apparent about myself, my craft, and business.

The business conference that I attended called "She's Got Clients" facilitated by Christine Gallagher concluded on Wednesday, and left me knowing that I have a lot of work to do. There were lots of concepts that were to be gotten, and lots of actions that need to be taken to get those concepts rolling into play. But more importantly than those concepts was the reason..."the why" for business (my business to be exact).

We talked about the why the first day of the conference, but it wasn't until the last day of the conference that I really had a solid "why". I mean a "why" that I could really put graphite to paper and form comprehensible sentences.

So here you have it! These precious faces, and some that are not photographed are my "why"!!!

Why? In some way, shape, form or fashion, they have changed my life for the better! They are all my girls! I didn't birth any of them, but call them my own. Some of them came via blood, and some didn't. Some of them I have known since birth, and some I have come across in the last few years. Nonetheless, they are all mine! It takes a village to raise children, and I am honored to be part of that village.

They are the reason that I keep pushing! They are the reason that I strive to continue to blossom into the person God created me to be. They are the reason that I pursue my passion and purpose without hesitation and regret! They are the reason for this journey!

I desire for them and those that are like them, those that I have met, and those that I have yet to encounter to have the very best! For them to know who they are and who they were created to be. For them to know that they are indeed unique and loved beyond belief first and foremost by our DAD, and then by multitudes of others. For them to know that there is no limit to what they can do and be!

I love them so...words can't really even express! They inspire me more than they would ever know! They are the certain amazing future of this world. They will take it by storm...I am sure of it!!!!

Thank you ladies for being all that you are! A hearty thank you to their parents that have birthed them and allowed me to take part in their lives. I am appreciative beyond belief! Kudos to you!

Your Thoughts:
What is your "why"?

Until next time...

Marketing, Networking and Social Media

I've been praying, and praying really hard! That may be an odd way to start a post, but it's so true! I've been praying for what I believe is the best thing one could pray for...WISDOM!!! Yes, wisdom!!!

Solomon was a smart man! If you aren't sure of the story, take a gander at 1 Kings 3:1-15. He didn't ask to be rich or for his enemies to be punished, but for simple wisdom. "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9) Gods simple answer to Solomon's request was this, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for-both wealth and honor-so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." (1 Kings 3:10-13).

And like Solomon, I too want wisdom! Wisdom is what allows the other things that we desire to come along. Wealth is great, but if one is not wise, wealth will go quicker than it came and cause more destruction than good.

Since prayer is nothing without an action behind it, I decided to make a move to educate myself more on the business front. I, like so many other artists have the creative part down, but when it comes to the business side, we are as clueless as we want to be. We can buck this part of the process or we can pull our sleeves up and get busy. I choose the later, and I hope you do too (for the sake of your creativity and business).

My prayer for wisdom came in the form of a lovely friend and fellow phenomenal business owner Lynette Davis of A&D Media (Looking for a virtual assistant and social media expert? She's your woman!) inviting me to a business conference. When she asked, I said yes with my mouth, but I really had no intentions of going. My attention span is about the size of a flea, which means that I wouldn't normally sign up for a conference where I have to sit for hours. However, like I said...it's time to put my big girl knickers on and get to business. 

Today was the first day of the conference called "Get Out There Live". The facilitator is a woman by the name of Christine Gallagher. I won't get into her whole life story as you can learn all about her and her business at She's Got Clients, but the first day has been extremely informational and dare I say, "life changing". She has a real easy, down to Earth and relatable way about her that makes it easy to have an open mind about things that folks assume they already know about marketing their business. Her practical approach to business makes it easy to take small steps to making your business work. 

Tomorrow is a long day. A 12 hour day to be exact! However, I plan to go in with an attitude to get all that I need to fuel my business and as always ultimately help others along the way!

So thank you Lynette Davis for inviting me, and thank you Christine Gallagher for dispensing great information so that business owners can move forth with success!!!

Your Thoughts:

When was the last time you were wise to invest your time, talent or resources to grow your business?

Until next time...

Etsy Shop Grand Opening!!!

EXO31 ART ETSY STORE

is now

OPEN!!!

etsy.com/shop/Exo31Art

The polls are closed (it's election day, and I hope that you all exercised your right to vote), but my Etsy shop is now open for business!!!

I spent an immense amount of time last night and the early part of today listing items that you all can purchase. I thought that it would be easier than what it actually was, but it was pretty tedious. 

I definitely don't have everything listed there yet. I will be adding new items almost every day for the month of November. After that, I will be updating the shop with new items every other Tuesday. I will make sure to let you all know the days that I will be uploading new wearable art that can be purchased. 

Thank you so much for all of you that have taken the time to support myself and other local artists. Whether you supported us via purchasing our products, said a kind word to us or sent out a prayer for us...I think I can speak on behalf of artists worldwide...we thank you!!!!

Your Thoughts:

What have you worked hard on today? What was your reward for all of your hard work?

Until next time...

Etsy Countdown

Hey good folks!

Tomorrow is the day! Yes...the day I open my Etsy shop I am ex.cited, but knowing that there is so much work to be done so that this go round things will be a success.

Today was spent getting my listings together. It is more tedious than I remember in the past, but again...it's okay. I must do what I need to do!

So tomorrow will come too quickly I am sure, and I will probably feel like I am not ready enough, but who ever cared about what feelings had to say? Not me! If I did, I would never get anything accomplished!

Your Thoughts:
Have your feelings ever talked you out of doing something great...something you knew you were destined to do?

Until next time...

Etsy Countdown & A Healthy Me

A girl is exhausted. I should have capitalized exhausted because it's beyond what I can explain right now!

It's been a long and productive week. I've completed almost all of the things that were on my to-do list. What a feeling that is...sheer joy! I can hardly contain myself!

And in my exhausted, yet long and productive, but fun week, I didn't get to blogging the way that I should have. So instead of a 5 day countdown to my Etsy shop opening, I must simply do 3!

So I've started working towards a healthier me. Since I've been working in the massage therapy business, I am like the average 44 million Americans who don't have health insurance.   So what is a person that is working themselves to a healthier individual without insurance to do? You've got it...do some research!

Obamacare is happening soon. I don't want to get into the politics of things (I'm really not that chick), but the way I see it we have 2 choices; we can get insurance and pay or opt not to get insurance and pay a penalty. Since I may have to pay either way, I might as well see doctors and get the checkups that I haven't been able to get lately.

Here 's what I did...I started with some government assistance. I was almost sure that I would qualify for some help since my wages fluctuate so much.You would have to check with your state the programs that are available to you. I live in the good ole' garden state, and our program here is called NJ Family Care.

I called the number (check out the imbedded link) and had a quick 20 minute interview and that's it. It was really easy and I will find out within 45 days what type of coverage I will be offered!

That's one thing I can check off of my list of things to do....a very important one! The truth is...my purpose can't be carried out if I unhealthy in body, mind or spirit.  So here's to working on getting things in order!

Your Thoughts:
What things have you been dreading taking care of that will allow for a healthier you?

Until next time...

The Early Bird

The early bird gets the worm

It's really early (for me at least). I've actually been up since about 4:30 am. Now before you start thinking that it was my bright idea to get up so early, let me set the record straight! I really got up to help dear friends of mine get to the airport. I prepared myself last night. I got a good nights rest and was actually okay to get up so early. I was doing a favor for friends (family really), but it worked out that they did me a favor in return without even knowing it!

Doing some research for us all!!!

So I'm at my office and getting some things taken care of. I am working really hard on getting my Etsy shop ready for it's big reveal in less than a week! Yesterday I did some Photoshop work for my banner on the site. I haven't used photoshop for a while (a choice). I get antsy sitting in front of a computer sometimes, but last night photoshop was a joy. I actually think that I miss some parts of coming up with cool graphic things in photoshop. It will be interesting to see what this new found joy for graphic design brings about.

As for today, I am looking into finding some ways to ask for help with my creative baby. It's going to take me doing some research, which I am okay with. I don't mind doing the research to help myself and ultimately someone else...like you...the reader. That is what this blog is all about....helping other artists to get through their artistic journey with greater ease.

I'll be reporting my finds within the next few days along with the countdown to the grand opening of my Etsy shop!!!

Your Thoughts:
What are you doing that is aiding someone else on their journey? If nothing, what is a simple step you can take to do so?

Until next post:

Coming Soon!

COMING SOON!!!

Slouch hats

 Beanie caps

Items for babies too!

(BTW: Love this little guy!)

I'm sleepy beyond belief, but I have made my list for the day and I am almost to the home stretch to receive my reward.

Part of today's to-do list included connecting with you all (posting), and getting some items ready for the winter rush of scarf and hat orders that have started to come in. In addition to all of that, I have started to prepare to open another Etsy shop.

A few years ago I decided that I was going to use Etsy as a platform to sell my wearable art. I did what I thought was appropriate at that time.

I was young in business. I was in the incubation stage. I was still in the womb. I was just starting out. And just starting out meant that I didn't always know the proper way to market myself or my products. Let's be honest, I knew much about nothing more than I wanted to create and share those creations (and sell) to the world.

And years later...in this season, I am revisiting Etsy!

My Etsy shop is not open as of yet. It will be launching on Tuesday, NOVEMBER 5th, which also happens to be Election Day! Since this is another big step for me, I may just do another countdown. This go round it would only be a 5 day countdown.

I look forward to this new start on Etsy. I will be posting things here as well as on my Exo31 Art blog site.

Your Thoughts:
Have you decided to revisit a business venture lately? If so, what was it, and what will you do differently this time?

Until next post...

Not Easy, But Fulfilling!

It's crunch time. It's after 5pm, and I have lots left to do. I haven't been able to cross off half of the things that I put on my to-do list today (including the top 3). That's not a good thing, and I have a short window (and I do mean short) to make some progress. That means, I am getting work done where I can, and tonight that happens to be Chik-Fil-A!

It always seems to get this way when I've had an extremely productive day beforehand. It's almost as if I think I deserve a day off or a day to just do nothing. And that could be furthest from the truth. As a matter of fact, after an extremely productive day, I should be inspired to have a plethora of extremely productive days that follow. Not so in most cases, but I am swiftly working myself to that.

So in the midst of my rather low key day, I have been listening to a podcast by Matthew Hussey called LOVE Life with Matthew Hussey. It sounds somewhat cheesy, but he actually offers some really good advice about love, life, business and self-esteem.

In my listening (and I listened to ALL that were posted), the one that struck me the most was called "Does Life Get Easier". He didn't take the normal approach, which is the simple answer of "Yes...if you do things correctly.". He more or less stated that life never gets easier. When we get over one hump, there is often another waiting on the other side. You know...if we are not in the midst of a storm, we are either coming out of one or about to go into one.

So life never gets easy. What does that really mean? Hussey explains it means that while hard things come along, a person needs to find something that they love to do so that when the tortuous times come, they won't mind going the extra mile to get things accomplished. "Just because something isn't fun, it doesn't mean that it is not fulfilling or rewarding."

All of this got me thinking about where I am in life (surprise...surprise). These particular times aren't really the easiest. I am in what seems to be a holding pattern (some self inflicted, and some not) in some areas. I have big decisions to make, but honestly unsure about which way to go with some of them. All in all...I wouldn't trade where I am. I mean, I complain about this space sometimes, and dream about being elsewhere a lot. However, it's those dreams that sometimes keep me afloat.

This path I am on is for me, and I am fighting through the fulfilling and rewarding "not so fun" stages with tenacity!

Your Thoughts:
What leg of your journey is "not so fun", but fulfilling and rewarding? What keeps you going at the end of the day?

Until next time...

Exploring The Depths of Who I Am

This weekend proved to be more than great in the realm of unexpected relaxation. Yesterday was supposed to be a total work day, and for the most part it was with the exception of the few hours the Sandman stole unexpectedly.

I spent the earlier part of the day doing a small mural for the salon I work in. It was fun and gave me a chance to use my gifts in the place I work.

The later half of the day I spent working with photographs from a photography shoot I had with dear married friends of mine. They are expecting their second child in a few months, and wanted to capture their pregnancy. They have a sweet 2 year old daughter that is simply adorable, funny, and wise beyond her years.

I have been getting a lot of requests for photo shoots lately.  And that...in the grand scheme of things is great! If I can fit the shoot in my schedule, I typically don't turn it down. I absolutely love capturing moments of life, especially the sentimental ones.

But here's the thing I have come to realize as of late...I am best at getting a random moment on camera (more artistic and documentary style). Meaning, I am not typically a portraiture photographer (they work best when staging scenes and putting people in posed positions). There are plenty of photographers that are great at that...it just happens not to be me.

Now...can I do it? Absolutely! Would you get a great shot? Yup! Would it be the best you could get out of me? No! That may sound bad and I may lose a client here or there,  but I'm okay with that.

The reality is, I'm here (One Artsy Gals Journey)to explore the depths of who I am as an artist, and talk about my journey honestly in hopes of helping others on their journey. No one learns when we are not honest with ourselves. The potential teachable moment passes and leaves the person who was supposed to learn searching.

So I am staying focused on what I do best, and learning how to do the things that I don't, a little better. That means that I am always open to learn a little bit more about the things that are not my forte like
portraiture photography!

Your Thoughts:
Is there something that you are good at, but not the best? Do you let people know in what ways you work best, and look to further educate yourself with the things that you could improve upon?

Until next time...

In The Skin I'm In

I've always been me. I guess in the grand scheme of things, we all have no choice but to be ourselves. We can fake the funk...believe me, I know plenty of people that do, and I have even done so in the past.  But we can only do so for a bit before the "real McCoy" comes out.

In the last few days, I have been really thinking about the skin that I am in. I have come to the conclusion that I am pretty comfortable in this skin (and all that comes with it) that I have been given.

I am by no means flawless, and neither do I want to be. That would mean that I wouldn't need the God that so graciously created me. Life has taught me that I am in no way making it on my own, and that there is a creator for everything...including myself.

So...I am comfortable in the skin I am in. It's a beautiful thing. There is good good things, and not so many desirable things that come with this skin, but it's still.a wonderful feeling!

I am loving...extremely loving (almost to a fault). I am extremely affectionate. The power of the human touch is amazing! I am emotional...sometimes more than I care to admit. I am sensitive wearing my heart on my sleeves often. I am an eternal optimist with most things. I smile a lot, and I cry a lot. I am an enabler sometimes. I have a strong personality accompanied by a strong will. I am stubborn, and sassy, and controlling at times. I am a know it all...I like to be right. If you tell me I can't...I'll try to figure out a way to prove you wrong.

I am tenacious and go for what I want, but I also procrastinate. I think a lot, and process even more. My imagination is off the charts. I have a plan A, and a plan B, and sometimes a plan A for plan B (you know...a plan within a plan). I sometimes talk to myself and answer all at the same time (don't knock it until you try it).

I have been called weird, and mystical, and odd, and different, and unique. The truth is, I am out of the ordinary. That's who He created me to be, and I accept! I accept with a smile on my face my great qualities and even those traits that are no so great. They keep me praying and striving to become a better version of me.

Your Thoughts:
Are you comfortable in your skin? Why or why not?

Until next post...

The Joy of Journaling

Anyone who knows me knows that I am an avid journaler. For those of you that don't know me so well...I always have my journal in tote. 

I've been journaling since the tender age of 10. I started because I saw my sister journaling. I used to sneak and read her pages...her story. It was all so interesting and I thought I should probably do the same thing (trying desperately to be like her). You may ask, "what did you talk about at the age of 10?". And the answer would be, "Nothing much!". I was happy to have anything to say at that point. I had an imagination and there was always a cute boy to talk about. 

I'm grateful for my sister. She no longer journals on a consistent basis. The title of wife and mother (two really important jobs) have taken the place of spending time journaling. However, I'm grateful that she decided to keep a journal if for nothing else than to pass on something that I deem to be so special.

Nowadays I have plenty to write about. Life has given me a story, and much to talk about. And although the story is interesting, I don't write for a stories sake. My journals are my prayers...my conversations with God. They keep me sane. They keep me on point. 

If you read, you'd find tales of joy, of sadness, of love, and sometimes even envy. You'd read about my struggles and my victory's. You'd read poems and songs. You'd see plenty of doodles, drawings, magazine clippings, and perhaps a painting here and there.

It typically takes me anywhere between 3 to 8 months to finish a journal (depending on how small or large it is), and I have managed to keep them all. It's wild to look back at my first journal. Truthfully, it's wild to look back at a journal from a year or 2 ago. Time is funny. It happens quick and waits for no one without remorse. So it's good to go back and read through what seems to be like time collected and preserved on paper. The feelings evoked from the read memories almost feel real. They make me laugh, and cry, and mostly grateful that I am evolving into the person that I am supposed to be. 

Decades from now, I will have hundreds of journals. I will have a treasure to pass on to my children, and my children's children. They will read and be in awe of some of the things that mommy/grandma did. They will see that nothing is new under the sun. They will understand that they have experienced some of the same struggles and victories. They will learn from my mistakes and my successes!

I'm excited about that! 

Your Thoughts:

Are you a journaler? If so...is it for a season or a lifetime?

Until next time...

Rocking With the Seniors

It's Friday and my day has been full! It's been good! It's been successful! It's been unpredictable! It's been enlightening!  

Today the group I am a part of did another show. It was our second show, and we did a pretty good job. It gets easier and more fun with each show we do.

And after a long day doing presentations, I decided to go to an event with my mom. My aunt couldn't make it so I filled in instead. It's a senior prom. Yes...you heard right...a senior prom! I am honored really (she's a hottie)! I wouldn't have her come by herself...so I am her date.

And by being here, I could only pray that when I am her age and beyond that I look as good and can move with such vigor as they are. They are truly enjoying themselves. They are laughing, dancing, and sharing stories of  the "good ole' days"!

I know this post didn't speak much about my art (check back tomorrow). But it really does speak much of my process...my journey. Tonight I was filled with plenty of inspiration. I was filled with plenty of life. I was reminded that I have plenty of  life left to live and purpose left to fulfill!

So onward with my purpose...and onward with this journey!

Your Thoughts:
What or who was your inspiration today?

Until next time...

Provision

 Those who made provisions for this...

Made this easier (carrying out my purpose and pouring into young ladies!

In this season of my life...well..things aren't always peachy monetarily. I am a young (and vibrant I may add) entrepreneur working tirelessly to fuel my purpose and passion.

In the past I've talked about starving artist and not being one. And no one is literally starving here, but the reality is...the pockets are extremely tight. And while money means a whole lot (it is the way that we move and shake in society), I've learned that provision is a magical word. It proves to be more valuable than cash....probably because money is included in that incredible word.

I've been praying for provision. I've been praying for provision over the "almighty" dollar. I've started to ask for God to supply me with the things that I need in order to complete my purpose here on this Earth. And He is doing just that.

My financial situation right now is less than desirable, and each morning I awake the question to Dad is, "How are you going to do things today?". The reality is...I have done all that I know how to do. I have come to the end of myself. And I have come to understand it is in this very moment that I am most vulnerable to Him. It's the moment that I waive the infamous white flag, and surrender all that I thought may work. Because all that I thought would work...simply isn't.

At the end of the rope there is no choice but to hold on or to let go. And I have decided to let go of the rope that I have been dangling from for so long by faith. The faith to know that if I let go there will be a sovereign God there to catch me and place me exactly where I am supposed to be.

For me letting go of the rope means that I have to allow people to help me. I must allow people to sow into.me. I cannot do this thing all on my own....especially not in this season.

Since I have started this journey provision has come from several places. Each source amazes me to no end. And if I had to be truthful, it's not so much the source as it is the heart behind the source. Their heart to help me has been simply incredible, humble, and selfless.

My forever prayer is that I will always pay it forward. That I will be in the position to be provision for others, and assist someone else along their journey!!

Your Thoughts:
When is the last time someone provided provision for your purpose? What did that feel like? How did you pay it forward?

Until next time...

The Calm

Today has been a really low key day! No...I mean really low key. I needed to get some domestic things done around the house (i.e. laundry, straightening up, and even hair). Before the day is over, I will have done some working, but for this morning and afternoon, a little R&R was in order.

Yesterday was quite the opposite though. We (SuperKid) did their first official presentation for Steered Straight. We went to a Winslow school and were in front of K-5th graders. We needed to do 2 presentations, and adopted pretty well to the last minute changes that we needed to make. We worked as a team, and completed the task that we were sent to do.

We all are used to working with children in a few different capacities, so it was fun! It was really fun! We were able to be super silly with a positive message attached. A silly, important message that the students could comprehend. They were so cute! They left and wanted high fives. They got on the bus and waved as the bus pulled off. They liked Wild Willy, Talented Tene', and Super Steve!

Our next show is next Friday. I look forward to it. I look forward to the smiling faces of the children that we will meet. I look forward to the high-fives, and endless questions. They are the future, and what a blessing to be able to be a part of their molding process. The molding process that helps them to be a good citizen and great role model for the next child.

It's said that it takes a village to raise a child. I am so grateful to be part of that village!

Your Thoughts:
When is the last time you made a difference in a child's life? How did it making a difference in their life, make a difference in yours?

The After

The last few days have been bittersweet. September is in full swing, and I am finding it hard to believe that a whole month has passed since I  hung my first show.

This past Wednesday I took my paintings down from The Factory. I had some mixed emotions. A part of me felt super accomplished. I had a goal, I planned and set out to meet that goal, and I did. I feel like the leap of faith that I took to see "Only The Beginning" come to past, allowed me to know that I could accomplish virtually any goal that I set my mind to accomplish. Then a part of me was a little saddened. Something that I prepared years for was over. Yes...it was only the beginning, but that first phase was now over. I realized that it was time to prepare for the next thing. And that is exactly what I did.

A few weeks ago a dear friend's parent introduced me to a fellow artist. During my first visit to the Factory in July I sat across a gallery and watched this artist move about, not knowing that I would soon be meeting with her one on one.

Her name is Kimberly Camp. Her name may sound ordinary, but she is far from what one would call ordinary. She hails from a pretty prestigious arts foundation in Philadelphia called the Barnes Foundation (she served as their former CEO). She has a wealth of knowledge about her craft and the history and culture that surrounds the arts.

Yesterday I had the privilege of dropping off a few pieces of jewelry. I had sat with her a few weeks ago and she asked me to create a few pieces that would fit her audience. I put my big girl pants on and rose to the challenge. I hadn't sent her any pictures of the jewelry that I had created for her. So when I dropped them off yesterday, I had no real expectations except knowing that if they wouldn't sell there, they would sell somewhere.

Well...I am super happy to say that my jewelry is being sold in her gallery...Galerie Marie. She liked the pieces that I created and was confident that they would cater to her audience.

It's wild how an introduction can turn into something far more than imaginable. I am grateful for Mr. Ingraham, and looking forward to gleaning a plethora of information about my passion from Ms. Camp. I'm excited for this leg of the journey.

My gifts are truly making room for me, and taking me before great men!

Your Thoughts:
When is the last time you truly gave yourself over to your gifts and allowed them to take you before great men?

Until next time...

Appreciation

There are a whole host of things that I appreciate aside from the BIG CHEESE that I serve!

I have to say that I mostly appreciate the little things in life. The rise of the sun. The wind that rustles through my hair during a car ride. Friendly banter between loved ones. A smile. A hug. Words of wisdom. I appreciate these things (and many more), but I would have to say that I appreciate the thoughtful words and actions of others most (especially when dealing with business) in this season of my life.

In a world where people have become quite cold (just watch a few minutes of the news), the encouraging comments of others is what really make me tick, and keep going. It really reinforces that I am in the right place at the right time...doing exactly what I am supposed to do!

Today I want to send out a hearty thank you to those that have supported me and this artistic vision that God has given me in thought, word, and deed. There have been several!. There have been those that have prayed for me. There have been those that have dedicated their time. There have been those that have donated money. There have been those that have put in the grunt work with me. There have been those that have been there with a shoulder for me to cry on. There have been those that laughed with me heartily when it felt like I couldn't go on.

To you and for you...I say thank you! You mean more than you know! Because of your support, the vision that I have been given...this "larger than life" vision that I have been given, goes on! Thank you for being its fuel!

Your Thoughts:
When was the last time you received a compliment that changed your life? What was that compliment?

Until next time...