Thoughts

Thoughts and feelings on the challenges and gifts of life.

  • Art Journaling,  Faith,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Navigating through Troubled Waters

    Oh how life can throw you some curve balls. Tough and hard stuff that is difficult to navigate through. Unfamiliar valleys so deep that you feel blind and have to find your way through them. I’ve had my share. Whether a physical or emotional challenge; a loss of loved one, facing a serious illness, unthinkable surprises that hit you out of the blue, dreams that are thwarted, or whatever it might be, you need tools to help you navigate through those troubled waters. Here are some things I’ve found that have helped me during these deep and difficult times. These are just a few tools that have helped me when…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Life,  Mixed Media,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Uncertainty – A Parallel in Art & Life

    I’m not sure about you but these days I’m feeling more uncertain about some things than I ever have. Rising prices, friends and co-workers who have had sudden illnesses, grocery shortages, and more. Having gone through a serious illness before, things can change quickly from one day to the next. Things can be uncertain. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite thoughts and helpful hints when uncertainty might come your way. They help me. Stand on your faith. Read a devotional book or an encouraging story. Take a break from the news Go outside and take a walk in nature Create art Share a cup of coffee with…

  • Artsy Adventures (Outings, Flea Marketing and More),  Food,  Life,  Nature,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Enjoy the Beauty Close to Home

    Recently, my hubby and I headed to the beach early one Saturday morning. Of course we love the beach. I grew up in Sunny Southern California and remember my first Boogie board, meeting friends at the beach, family dinners at the Spaghetti Factory in Newport, the Fun Zone at Balboa, Balboa bars, skating, flying a kite, sailing at least 2-3x a week during high school, and more. My husband has lived in California now for several years and enjoys the beach as well. He enjoys walking the shores, early morning quiet, fishing, and more. With that being said, we headed down to Newport. If you’ve never been to Dory’s Landing,…

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Precious Time – Precious Moments

    Oh life’s bittersweet moments. Our girl graduated from college on Friday, May 20. She’s had some amazing experiences in her college years and now is off to start something new in a different state. We are so incredibly proud of her. Her hard work, dedication and passion has been evident in these college years. This transition has hit me a little harder than others. High school to college was fun. It was a little hard on the heart, but a lot of fun. This time she’s an adult who is flying the coop. She is incredible and will do amazing things. There will be less daily interaction though. Less late…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Crafts,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Be You-niquely You – Art Journaling Article

    It’s alway fun to see your art and words in print, this time in Art Journaling. Stampington & Company does an incredible job. Thank you to the amazing staff such as Amber, Christen and others! It’s humbling as well, sharing an issue with other amazing artists. I wrote this article with you in mind. Below are some peeks from a few of the pages. Know that you are amazing, unique, and one-of-a-kind. Looking to get your own version of Art Journaling, feel free to use the link HERE if you’d like to pick up a copy or you can find the issue at Joann’s, Barnes and Noble and other craft…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Clearly Transparent in Art and Life

    I love using transparent items in my art journal. They offer a unique and fun element throughout the pages of an art journal. Transparency provides layers you can see. Some clear items you can include in your art journal; Print on saran wrap with acrylic paint Use clear post it tabs Keep packaging that’s clear and colorful. Use it to add surprising bits and pieces. Use your gel plate to print on a transparency Just as in art, being transparent in life has great benefits. While it’s important to have healthy boundaries when ‘putting yourself out there,’ there are so many benefits for those sharing and those listening. Being transparent…

  • Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    DIY Gel Press Card & Ways to Show Your Friends Love

    These days can bring many challenges. People are stressed, worried, uncertain and in need of some reminders that they are loved. I thought I’d share a recent card I made with my Gel Press Heart Petite plate which can be found HERE or HERE.. It’s a simple and easy card but made with ‘heart.’ I simply used Staz-On permanent ink to stamp images onto the Gel Press Petite Heart plate. I let the Staz-On ink dry, then pulled the print by brayering a think layer of Royal Talens pink paint over the stamped image.. I then cut out the hearts and sewed them to the front of the card. I…

  • Life,  Thoughts

    Warmest New Year Wishes

    Hello dear ones. First, I’d like to thank you for the blessing you are to me. I am so grateful! I am wishing you a very joyous New Year. I love that each year and even each day, is a new beginning. Anne of Green Gables said, “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.” Beautiful! Warmest Creative Wishes,

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Got Five Minutes?

    Just five minutes? The Ugly Art Club (TUAC) hosted by the fun Tiffany Goff Smith, Kristin Petersen, and DeeDee Cantron, offers a five-minute challenge to create and promote a daily habit of creativity. It’s a blast. Any medium. While I’ve had a lot taking place at work and home and haven’t been able to take those five minutes a day. But that doesn’t stop me from trying when I can. I find it so therapeutic. Feel free to follow the TUAC on Instagram HERE and follow along. Hopefully we follow one another on Instagram as well. Create along with me HERE. Here was my couple of takes thus far .…

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Hope for the Holidays

    For me and mine, we celebrate Christmas during this holiday season. It’s a time of hope, comfort and joy. Even with loss and challenge, we still find the joy in the season because of all that it represents. You may celebrate the season differently. Whatever the holiday season looks like for you, know you’re thought of and cared for. For us it’s been quiet and different. We’ve had some healing to do and are laying low. But nonetheless, we pray we’ve been able to share some joy to others, and know we have experienced great blessing ourselves. I’d like to leave you with a little encouragement especially if this year…