Thoughts
Thoughts and feelings on the challenges and gifts of life.
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You Are A Rare Beauty
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Putting Yourself Out There
I’ve been thinking a lot about how brave it is when we ‘put ourself out there.’ Maybe it’s sharing your art on social media, going for a job interview you didn’t get, facing a fear, or learning something new. No matter what it looks like . . . it’s brave, healthy, and promotes amazing growth. Sometimes things may not go as we planned when we allow ourselves to be vunerable, but other times, we grow, connect, and advance. Just know that no matter what, there is value in the journey, even if it didn’t turn out the way you expected. There is no one stopping you from putting yourself out…
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Happy Thanksgiving from Ours to Yours
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
