Thoughts

Thoughts and feelings on the challenges and gifts of life.

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Beauty Behind the Lens

    I am a native Southern Californian.  While my husband was born in Minnesota and daughter in Florida . . . they too love the sea.  The beach is one of our favorite family outings!  It brings fun, serenity, memories and so much more.  People flock from all over the world to wade on the shores of Southern California and we have the blessing of it being in our backyard. Some locals will know some of these sights but if you ever come to Sunny So Cal. (thinking about our Midwest friends as they get snow), you’ll enjoy these sights as well I believe. Balboa Bar We saw a flyer with…

  • Life,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Being a Fanatic!

    I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about being a ‘fanatic!’  What’s a fanatic? fa·nat·ic fəˈnadik/ noun  1. a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause. synonyms: zealot, dogmatist, devotee, adherent;   adjective 1. filled with or expressing excessive zeal.  I think really you can be a fanatic for anything.  I was listening to a song on the radio called talking about not being ashamed for being ‘on fire’ about your faith.  This is so true.  While each of us have a choice, I can still be sold out.  I have friends from all walks of life but I do want to be authentic to me…

  • Art Journaling,  Artsy Adventures (Outings, Flea Marketing and More),  Mixed Media,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    A Mini Class, Laughter and Good Health

    Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some creative time with some of my dearest friends. It was impromptu and the special time we had priceless. When we get together sometimes I enjoy challenging or teaching them a mixed media or art journaling technique new to them. I had packed three erasers and some stamp carving tools. Each of them created the cutest stamp individual to them and which shared their personality. Tanya carved a bird, Sylvia a paintbrush and Mary a cool abstract shape.  I wanted to remember our mini class, the laughs and the blessing of these lovely ladies. These times are so good for the soul! Thus,…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    My Favorite Things Stencils ~ A Review and some Thoughts

    A while ago I was asked to review stencils from MFT Stamps. As you know, I love stencils . . . what mixed media gal wouldn’t.  So here are some honest thoughts about My Favorite Things stencils. Here are some images where I used the stencils.  Please see below the photos some tips and a review.   I found some fun patterns and had difficulty choosing just five.  Find them here.  One of my favorites I was sent was ‘Jumbled Letters’.  There are some great patterns to choose from. While I love the variety, I think it would be fun to see some randomness in the stencils.  Ie. Crooked hearts, not…

  • Art Journaling,  Life,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Meaningful Soul Words – Part 2

    If you missed Part I . . . a great list of ‘feeling and soul words’ you can check it out here. But here are some prompts also on the sheet that I thought would be great for art journaling.  This is what I took from the sheet and wanted to share. We are in the midst of ‘busy’ season . . . I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedule and ask yourself . . . how do I feel?  It’s important.  Sometimes ‘busy’ can be an enemy to our physical and mental health . . . I say that from experience. Pinpoint which soul…

  • Thoughts

    Warmest wishes for a beautiful 2015

    Warmest new year wishes from us to you and yours! Grateful for you and wishing you joy, peace and beautiful possibilities in 2015! I Am so thankful for new beginnings. really praying and wishing all great blessing in 2015. Last year one of the hardest for us but even through the trials we can be thankful for how they mold us and for the miracles in the midst. Sometimes we can’t see the bigger picture and the paths that are changing direction for the better.  Hoping new and exciting roads ahead for all.

  • Jewelry,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts,  Tutorials and How to's,  Uncategorized

    Word of the Year – Good Expectations for 2015

    This past week it was so appropriate that I received an early copy of Jewelry Affaire that contained an article and necklace tutorial on my word of the year for 2014. 2014 was a year of sadness, uncertainty, and challenge filled with some times of joy, accomplishment and celebration as well. My word of 2014 was TRUST and I created a necklace to remind me of just that. My word for 2015 is COURAGE and my verse, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13. I enjoy creating something as a reminder throughout the year of my word and goal. I want…

  • Art Journaling,  Life,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Meaningful Soul Words – Part 1

    As we approach the new year . . . I can’t believe it . . . 2015, I thought this so appropriate.  I have some other fun things to share as well on the horizon including a book that my husband and daughter gifted me for Christmas having to do with art and prayer.  Love it. I recently ran across some information I thought was so good when dealing with emotions.  Finishing up this last year, we do some reflecting – some of us had a great year and others are happy to put it in the past.  With the new year brings a clean slate, a new beginning and possibilities.…

  • Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Warmest Christmas Wishes

    I wanted to send you warm Christmas wishes on this Christmas Eve.  I know personally that the month of December isn’t always ribbons and bows, sweet sugar plum dreams and so forth.  Sometimes we experience loss or hardship.  Maybe you’re missing someone around the Christmas table.  If that is the case, I hope and pray that memories of their life bring joy and warmth.  No matter what life has brought in 2014, Christmas is a time that represents hope.  May we know that hope and peace and experience the blessings around us with a grateful heart.  Some precious gifts that come to mind this Christmas are life, family, freedom and loved ones.  We celebrated…

  • Art Journaling,  Sketching,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Throwback Thursday – Window of the Soul Art Journal Tour

    A while back for Throwback Thursday I shared a little video tour of the Window of the Soul Art Journal Tag Tour.  Today for Throwback Thursday, I’d like to simply share an art journal tour based on the study of a book called just that, “Windows of the Soul” by Ken Gire.  I hope you enjoy.  Just a relaxed little peek. Are you working on an art journal?  Are you documenting a particular event?  I’d love to know.  Where are you sharing your documentation?   Warmest creative wishes,