Word - Luminous

The word for this week is luminous.

Its adjective meaning is emitting light; lighted; clear, intelligible.

The petals in the sunlight, is there really anything more beautiful than this? Not in my mind, really, it almost brings me to tears the way the color overlaps and mixes with the sunlight to create an orchestra of luminous quality that my artistic muse can't ignore. I just can't say enough, the beauty is there to see, you just have to look, it is everywhere. The soft delicate values show the fragility of each little petal on these mini daffodils. The deep orange centers just give them so much depth and darkness really making you see the transparent nature of blooms in general. I think this is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken and well, it is one I will be thinking about for weeks to come. Look around today, see what every day presents and find that one thing that makes you grateful for its existence. Find the magic!

Laughter

All the daffodils lined up together made me think of a marching band. As they blew in the breeze, their heads swayed in unison gently bobbing from one side to the next. I just couldn't help myself from laughing. To find humor in the most ordinary of things and really appreciate them for all they are, isn't that a wonderful gift to have bestowed upon you? I know I feel very lucky to have such a curious muse just waiting for the next opportunity to find something special in the everyday!

Word - Bravery

The word for this week is bravery.

Its noun meaning - courage.

I am usually a jump first, think about it later kind of person in my art career. I put my name on the waiting list for a booth before even designing one thing. I sent off a book submission with the first 3 things I had designed. I traveled across the US for years by myself exhibiting and teaching my art. I launched my first e-course before even knowing if I could videotape. Why would I put myself through this? Well, I had to. I needed that deadline to get me moving with motivation, purpose and an end goal in mind. I knew it would work, I would succeed, I just needed to set the wheels in motion and take action. This week I am being brave and asking teachers to join me for another online e-course. Is it scary? Sure. Will there be rejection? Sure. Will it happen? Of course. I am taking a leap of faith and reaching out to fellow designers some I know some I do not but I have already succeeded because I found the courage and asked.

I did this art to express who I am and the text reads...
on the edge, clinging, hanging on, can you feel it? life.
on the verge, tight grasp holding, is is real? life.
on the cusp, dangling, moving on, are you ready? life.

So, how will you show your bravery this week?

Mood Board - Creatives

I wanted to put together something meaningful and energizing for the artist within me. So I picked a few of my favorite things and placed them in a fun composition to share. This is one of my favorite books on being a creative women. I love the interviews and found it so inspiring. It has a new look for the cover today but the contents are still uplifting, creative and show the strength and energy of what makes women unique to the world. A great jump start to living a creative life.

The Amazon review of the book says this about it:
A combination guidebook and inspirational treasure, The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women profiles 45 dynamic women who share their secrets for success. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Christina Pickles, Shakti Gawain, Sigrid Olsen, Barbara Sher, Sarah Ban Breathnach, and many others. Each chapter offers the 12 secrets, keys, and challenges to help women work through the creative process. Together they offer an inspirational road map, providing all the tools women need to uncover their own authenticity and realize their creative dreams.

Here's the link in case you want to take a closer look: http://www.amazon.com/The-Secrets-Highly-Creative-Women/dp/157324533X

Word - Huddle

The word for this week is huddle.

Its verb meaning - to crowd together; confer.

Its noun meaning - a closely packed group; meeting, conference.

I choose this dragonfly image because I remember how windy it was the day this was taken, he was holding on for dear life, huddle with the fencing just hoping to stay put. I loved the light on the wings and the extreme side view of his almost transparent body.

So what does that have to do with me today? Well, we are getting more snow in the Midwest, in fact it is coming down so hard I can't even see the neighbors house across the street. It is just making me huddle together with the family safe and warm under a flannel quilt or two. I do love the winter, especially the white snow in the yard and gardens,  but this year has been extreme to say the least. I am ready for just a little bit of sunshine giving us a taste of warmth and it looks like I might just get that later this week. But today, I am like this little green darner, just hanging on, hoping tomorrow is a brighter, warmer day.

Mood Board - Winter Hearts

I live in the Midwest and we have been getting extreme weather - freezing cold, huge amounts of snow and a lot of reasons not to go outside. So, I wanted to share a little bit of warmth, coziness and love to my blogging friends. From my house to yours, stay warm, snuggle in and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows of course!

Mood Board - Tops

I just love tops. I remember playing with them as a child, spinning them until my fingers hurt. We would have contests to see whose would spin the longest or the wildest depending on our mood at the moment. The brightly colored ones were the best because as they spun the colors would create beautiful bands of vibrant hues. When I stumbled across this fabric, I couldn't resist all the lovely images in various positions of spinning. Can you feel the excitement captured in the moment? I know I can because it brings back such happy memories of childhood.

Growth

Some Thesaurus words for "haze" are: brume, cloud, dimness, film, fog, fumes, haziness, indistinctness, miasma, mist, muck, obscurity, smog, smokiness, smother, steam, vapor.

Don't you just love the word muck? For me, this is the most powerful because that's exactly how I have felt - stuck in the muck. Trying to find an inspirational photo that showed persistence, growth and the willingness to push forward was quite a feat but I think this one fit all the meanings extremely well. When you look past the haziness of the lambs ear you see the uprising of a stem pushing through. It is unwilling to just lay there and not grow and explore as it was meant to. I really love nature for this reason and find much of my creativity surrounded by its everyday beauty. So, what are you pushing through today? Fight for it, it will be worth its weight, I promise!

Word - Haze

The word for the week is haze.

Its noun meaning - fine dust, smoke or light vapor causing lack of transparency in the air; vagueness of mind or perception.

Its verb meaning - to harass by abusive and humiliating tricks usually by way of initiation.

I took this photo in the late fall while leaves were burning and wanted to catch the smoke rising and swirling in the air. The effect of the smoke close to the ground was just what I was hoping for. I chose this word because I spent the later part of 2013 in a bit of a haze. Wanting to move ahead into a new direction but I was met with a lot of resistance within myself. Deadlines and responsibilities kept me going but in a lackluster way, just doing art to get art done. I am resolving to let my art life exist out of the haze, in true light and with a path that is undefined, risky almost. I am ready!. The haze is lifting and I want to explore 2014 in all it offers up with a new found freedom of simply starting each and every day. That isn't too much to ask, right? So, I am asking you, my readers, is haze a part of your life at the moment? If so, how can you push it aside and live in full light? I know you have the answer, just look past the smoke!

Welcome 2014!

I cannot believe how quickly 2013 went. I mean, where did the time go?
I remember my parents saying that you should appreciate childhood while you can because when you get older, time just passes you by. I now know they were not kidding. So my wish for all of us in 2014 is to enjoy life a little more. Let's get creative, laugh everyday and share your love whenever possible. It is going to be a glorious year, can you feel it? I know
I am ready, willing and able to start this new year. Let's make it a magical one - Happy New Year!

Exciting News - Life Book 2014

I was incredibly blessed to be a part of Life Book 2013 sharing three projects along the artful journey. Not only were the students art pieces remarkably beautiful, but I love how the lessons just opened the door to creativity beyond my imagination. The supportive community was another item I was impressed with. The way they shared comments, encouraged others, helped when needed - it is truly an amazing journey into your art process and I do hope you are joining us for 2014.

I am once again teaching *yes, I am pinching myself* with 21 other brilliant instructors of all mediums. I am able to give away one spot for Life Book 2014, so leave me a comment on "what winning would mean to you" and you will automatically be entered. I will be drawing the winner randomly on September 30th, good luck!!

Here are the blogs you can visit for a chance to win a free spot in Life Book 2014, good luck.
12th Sept 2013 - Tamara Laporte - www.willowing.org
13th Sept 2013 - Tascha Parkinson – www.timewithtascha.blogspot.ca
14th Sept 2013 - Lesley Riley – www.lesleyriley.com
15th Sept 2013 - Alena Hennessy - www.alenahennessy.com
16th Sept2013 - Kat McBride – www.KatCanPaint.com
17th Sept 2013 - Carla Sonheim – www.carlasonheim.com
18th Sept 2013 - Jane Davenport – www.janedavenport.com
19th Sept 2013 - Danielle Daniel – www.danielledaniel.com
20th Sept 2013 - Jennibellie – www.jennibelliestudio.blogspot.com

23rd Sept2013 - Kelly Hoernig – www.kellyhoernig.webs.com

24th Sept 2013 - Micki Wilde – www.thesecrethermit.blogspot.co.uk
25th Sept 2013 - Kate Thompson – www.fracturedangelics.blogspot.com
26th Sept 2013 - Flora Bowley – www.florabowley.com
27th Sept2013 - Anna Dabrowska – www.tworzysko.blogspot.co.uk
28th Sept 2013 - Steven Speight – www.speightoftheart.com
29th Sept 2013 - Mika Diaz – www.mikadiazmixedmedia.com
30th Sept 2013 - Serena Bridgeman – www.serenarty.com
1st Oct 2013 - Dyan Reaveley – www.dyan-reavely.blogspot.co.uk
2nd Oct 2013 - Effy Wild – www.effythewild.com
3rd Oct 2013 - Carissa Paige – www.carissapaige.com
4th Oct 2013 - Marieke Blokland – www.bloknote.nl
5th Oct 2013 - Christy Tomlinson – www.christytomlinson.com
6th Oct 2013 - Traci Bautista – www.treicdesigns.com

Heading Forward 21/30

I shot this lovely bird of paradise flower while in Florida. Their exotic ways always intrigue the curious muse inside this artist. From their shape, does it not resemble a bird? To their wonderful color combination of orange and blue violet. Add the long elegant stem and you have this interesting beauty. For me today, this one is pointing to a new adventure, heading forward, not knowing the end results, just reveling in the endless possibilities of my own imagination. It is getting quite real, this next step. I am ready, let the discoveries begin...

Word - Crash 20/30

The word of the week is crash.

Its verb meaning - to break noisily; smash.

Its noun meaning - a loud sound; an instance of crashing; collision; a sudden failure.

The sound of the waves crashing in and out of the sandy beach is almost deafening. You can feel the energy, the force it has upon arrival. It is a sound I miss hearing everyday and try to imagine it often because it soothes my mind and gives it clarity in a moments notice. This photo captures it perfectly for me. The crash in the middle of calmness, just waiting for the arrival of a surface to collide with. Its color change an indication of what it coming, like a warning sign for all to see. Can you feel it? The powerful energy heading my way is going to make a beautiful, smashing appearance. I can't wait and thank you friends for being along for the ride and new direction about to immerse!

Everyday Pleasures 18/30

The sun was going down along the waters edge and I just happened to notice the cloud blocking the sun setting. It looks as if the cloud is exploding with energy and I love that. All of that happening while the little cottage stood still, minding its own business, unaware of the beauty going on around it. I do hope it would have stopped you in your tracks. Watching the sun set and simply seeing the wondrous sight around you. It is the pleasures of everyday that make our life so special. Don't you agree? I sure hope so!

Awake and Alive! 16/30

I had forgotten about the photo I had taken at the beach in Florida. I wrote many different words and loved watching my footprints get washed away into the ocean time after time. It is a vast place, standing next to the ocean with nothing in sight but water and the horizon line. A place I feel very small but quite comfortable. The serenity I feel there is beautiful and it gives me a place to just be. I mean sit still, nurture my soul and just listen to the waves going in an out without another care in the world. Oh yeah, I am awake, on a journey, heading to a purpose - it is a glorious day - please celebrate it with me!

One Step Forward 15/30

Some Thesaurus words for "breakthrough" - boost, development, discovery, find, finding, gain, hike, improvement, increase, invention, leap, progress, rise, step forward.

Wow, these are some powerful words! So I searched until I found the same in a photograph. The beautiful magnolia reaching, drenched in sunlight. Is there anything more radiant or glorious? I'm not thinking so. It is also such a great representation of how I feel, as if awakened and pulled from darkness letting the sun shine in and around my whole being. Bright and blinding, full of the possibilities that await my art, my creativity, my design skills. Oh yes, it is a big wondrous world we live in, I do hope you are taking advantage of its generosity!

Word - Breakthrough 14/30

The word for the week is breakthrough.

Its noun meaning - an act or instance of breaking though an obstruction or defensive line; a sudden advance in knowledge or technique.

I have been searching for the next step in my art business for a couple years now and over the past few months, I believe I have had a tremendous breakthrough, finally. It couldn't have come at a better time. I actually have a clear schedule to just paint, paint, and paint some more. This is no small feat since I have packed myself tightly with travel teaching and online classes over the last several years.

The light, it is beginning to show once again. That little beacon that stirs my muse and makes me want to immerse myself in all things creative. The universe seems to agree because all the sudden I have been put in great company full of inspirational souls. It seems all the right people are talking to me, connecting with me, sharing ideas and their own paths with me. I didn't realize it at first, just thought it an odd coincidence but after a while, I began to realize there is a reason for them all being here at this moment and in my space. Guidance is hard for me to ask for but comes in many forms and is usually given without return. I am grateful for those who have shed some light on my strengths, creativity, uniqueness and my desire to work and follow through. Thank you for sharing yourself so generously, it will not be forgotten!

Teaching 11/30

I taught this colored pencil class at my 20th HOOT Convention this past week. It really defines my career as a decorative artist. It was the first convention I ever attended, shopping at first, buying all I could carry and treasuring each aisle of goods with anticipation. I started exhibiting my own designs 2 years later and then teaching a couple years after that. I have run the gamut of classes - drawing, business, pen and ink, creativity, sketching, acrylics, colored pencils and now, mixed media. I love the enthusiasm of students, the energy they bring into each and every class and the certain look they get when they finally "get it!" It is a thrilling exchange I have been blessed to witness over and over again for the past 15 years, one I will cherish for a lifetime. If you have ever been in one of my classes, thank you for letting me into your creative world if even just for a couple hours together, I am forever grateful!

Bee Garden 2/30

The bees were crazy today, I am actually surprised I didn't get stung. They were swarming the coneflowers like they had never gathered pollen before but it was a perfect day. After a day of drizzle, the sun was out, the skies were blue and the clouds were amazing. It is really no wonder the bees were taking full advantage of it. I actually closed my eyes while shooting just to see if I could hear their excitement over their joyous discovery. Guess what? It was so loud, you would not have believed it. It was a purr, a practiced hum of work, busy work but also a great day in the garden. Close your eyes, what do you hear today? I hope it is magical!

Let the Sun Shine 1/30

We have one sunflower right outside the back door and I have been watching it evolve from bud to bloom after bloom. It isn't tall, it isn't large, it isn't spectacular but I absolutely love it. The brilliance of the yellow hue. The intensity of the sunshine on its petals. The quest for its face to be in the direction of the sun. Could you really ask anything more of a flower? I think not. This one is straight up reaching for all the glorious sun rays it can soak in, love that! When was the last time you just opened your arms and stood still, listening, letting your skin warm, soaking in your environment around you? Oh yeah, I think it is time...give yourself the gift of being surrounded by sunshine. What are you waiting for, the sun awaits your beauty!

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30 days, 30 blogs - have fun reading!