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    Brave Girl University – Amazing Courses Ahead

    I have been bursting at the seams to share with you this new exciting adventure. Welcome to Brave Girl University! Most of you know Melody Ross, Kathy Wilkins and the Brave Girl Camp.  I was blessed to have been a part of the very first camp in which they brought together a handful of artists and introduced us to a life changing art camp for women.  Since then, we have seen the message and movement grow!  Amazing!  I’m happy to be a part of it then and now!  Whether you’re new to this message or on board for the first time you’re going to love it! Are you ready for…

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    Seize the Day! Life is Precious! The Classroom of Life!

    This message is so loud and clear but it’s also so easy to forget in the pace of life.  Recently for me, I’ve had amazing things happening but I’ve also had a huge amount of stress.  I feel like ‘Stretch Armstrong’.  For those of you who may not be from the same era . . . check it out here. Our sweet girl is on an adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica.  She landed a spot on the team as a result of an Earth Science award.  Her teacher and teacher’s wife are leading a team of about 12 and the adventures sound like they are more out of…

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

    The Beauty of ‘You’ness

    I love that there are no two people alike that roam this earth!  That is an amazing fact.  Even identical twins will not have the same exact experience.  Each of us have a unique purpose as well that no one else can fulfill.  Each of you have special and unique characteristics, personalities and perspectives! I recently created a custom angel for a beautiful red-headed girl with blue eyes.  She is a doll.  Below are a few photos of the piece. I wanted to encourage you to think about how your ‘you’niqueness and how special you are.  Below is a great art journaling prompt or just take a few minutes and enjoy…

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    Courage and Perseverance

    This past week I had the opportunity once again to share a message for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Kick Off.  I thought I’d just share with you a few words of that message.  It’s basically things I’ve learned and what we can take with us from the deep valley.  Life is hard . . . so possibly there’s something that may encourage you and I know there are things I can learn from you! I am grateful to say that I am a breast cancer survivor of about 2 1/2 years.  I’d like to spend a moment talking to you about Courage and Perseverance. The definition of…

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    Some Gave All

    Many of you know, I come from a long line of family members who have served in the Armed Forces.  I married a Marine.  I’m grateful we never had to watch a loved one pay that ultimate price however I feel for those families who have.  I’m so grateful for our freedoms.  I think unfortunately that some today some may take our freedoms for granted.  They weren’t free and some paid the ultimate price! Today, on Memorial Day, we reflect on just that.  I hope you have the opportunity today to reflect and enjoy the freedoms we have. I leave you with a video and song titled ‘Some Gave All’.  It’s…

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    A Part of the Equation: A Call To Action

    We have the choice and opportunity to make a difference in another’s life.  Right now, there is a lot of need in our community, towns, nation and across the world.  Having served and lived in third world countries for six years, I have certainly seen poverty.  My question to you is what steps are you going to take this week to make a difference.  First step is to name it and you may want to record this in your art journal or just write it down.  Make a plan to accomplish it. Could be big or small.  Here are a few ideas that come to mind.  This week I’m going to…

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    Praying in Color

    My husband is such a good gift giver.  He knows me well . . . maybe I’m not such a mystery.  A favorite and thoughtful gift that he and my daughter gave me for Christmas is a book called “Praying in Color” by Sybil MacBeth.  It is a book written. not by a self proclaimed artist, but by someone who loves to doodle.  The author shares that doodling a persons name while they were praying for them helped their focus.  If you are a prayer warrior . . . I applaud you!  I do love to pray and talk with my Creator however I’ve found that I feel closest to Him when I’m…

  • Art Journaling,  Artsy Adventures (Outings, Flea Marketing and More),  Mixed Media,  Tutorials and How to's

    It’s a Crafting Holiday

    Yes, for those who enjoy arts and crafts . . . this coming Saturday is like a national holiday.  Saturday represents the Superbowl of Crafting . . . National Scrapbook Day . . . always the first Saturday in May.  But some local stores and venues . . . festivities will even start the night before (Friday) and they go all throughout the weekend.  I’ll be spending Saturday with dear friends creating away but wanted to leave a little tutorial for you.  It’s a mixed media card I created using a finger painting technique to create clouds.  The card is simple, quick and could be used for an assortment of occasions. Here’s what I used and what…

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    New Places, New Things

    Traveling to new places has always been something I enjoy!  Whether in the states or abroad, I’ve always enjoyed seeing and experiencing new people, places, the food and culture.  It was no different when I recently traveled with my mom to Ohio.  We were primarily going to Canton, Ohio to visit my Uncle David who took the position of the Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director in January.  I was taking my mom to visit her baby brother (about 11 years younger but 6’9″).  I have never met two siblings that love each other so much!  They did not grow up with a silver spoon in their mouth and…