HOME IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS

HAPPY MONDAY!!

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

HOME IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS

 Just a several months ago, 6 to be exact, was when we suddenly realized we couldn't keep our home and had moved into a new place just in November of last year. A few weeks ago, we finally completed the process of selling our home to the new owners and said our last goodbyes to the place we loved so much. Having had this all happen in such a short amount of time has not only brought us through some really desperate circumstances, but also has given us a new perspective on life and in our faith. I wish I could begin to tell you in detail, all the moments that my husband and I have suffered such deep sorrow, emotional pain, stress, and a kind of fear that almost seemed paralyzing, yet only drove us to push ourselves beyond the limits to believe and place our trust in God. By His love and grace, we have seen miracles take place and have felt His love through the darkest moments. If I can describe how it felt, I would say it was almost like losing someone you loved dearly or having to let go and leave behind a truly special friendship. I know that there are much more painful experiences that people go through that cannot compare to this, so I can't truly complain that this wasn't like losing someone special to us and that it was just something material.  The impact of  this experience however, has really shown us how we are not invincible to life's challenges, no matter how big or small, nothing is promised forever on earth. Sometimes we have to let go. Sometimes we have to lose something, to gain something. Sometimes we need to be uprooted, to be planted somewhere else in order to grow... 

The picture above is of a paper weight I saw at World Market. My husband and I actually purchased it as a gift to the new homeowners who bought our home. It was our way of just making them feel welcome to a home that has been in the family for 3 decades where our lives have been blessed throughout those years. We wanted them to know how that home has been a beautiful place that holds so many wonderful memories for our family and that we wish the same for them....

Right now, we are starting to finally pick the pieces, dust off all the negative emotions, and taking it one day at a time. Already, we have found so many reasons that confirms how our move led us to this new place, which we would not have imagined would happen if we never moved. The blessings that have been flowing into our lives and the doors that have opened up to us is unbelievable. And of course, it is all because of how much my faith has grown due to having gone through the storms of life. It's a NEW SEASON... hopefully to prosper and gain new opportunities in both our creative and personal ambitions.

xoxo,

He{Art) QOTD : Beautiful People

Beautiful people do not just happen....

Beauty is skin deep as the saying goes, but reading this made me think a little more about what that saying truly means. It's goes deeper than just beneath the surface... I firmly believe that true beauty comes from deep down in the corners of your heart. I have alway admired beautiful people on the outside, but it's those who have really impacted me with their life stories, their sufferings and the ability to rise up and fight, who I've come to admire and appreciate the most about a person. Having said that, I hope I can reflect that beauty of compassion, love, and humility as I face my own trials and triumphs. Some of the most beautiful people I know have been very instrumental in helping me understand that life is a journey, it's an ongoing process where we go through many cycles of seasons and changes and sometimes we are meant to be broken in order to put our lives back together again... So next time you are struggling or going through a difficult time in your life, remember that its building your character and molding you into something beautiful... I hope this quote will be a continuous reminder that TRUE BEAUTY lies deep within each and everyone one of us...

{CREATIVELY MADE} Week One : Altered Journal

{CREATIVELY MADE WITH JEANNE OLIVER}

WEEK ONE: Altered Journal Cover

Just letting you peek on my current project for Creatively Made, workshop by Jeanne Oliver. The first week has really been amazing as I watched some of the videos from Jeanne sharing some of her wisdom and insight about the creative gifts that have been instilled in us. I sometimes had moments where I would choke up and feel like crying because a lot of her messages were very relational to what I had gone through as I began my journey towards discovering my dreams and desires to become an artist. The challenges of balancing life with family, to overcoming fears about finding my purpose in what I do, to not giving up on the dreams I have for myself and family and some of the realities that she and many women struggle with, was very encouraging and eye-opening that it taught me the importance of finding that voice in ourselves and connecting with the God-given gifts that was placed in us. We all have a gift and it is to inspire and bless, not only ourselves, but to inspire and bless others. One thing that really resonated in my heart, was her insight that our gifts and creativity, will always be in line with our family values and dynamics, it will never oppose and conflict with what's important to our family. Simply an amazing revelation, at least to me. It just felt so good to have that affirmation that I am not alone. Hearing her stories, as well as the stories shared by everyone in the class, has been such a blessing to me so far and really uplifted my spirit and soul in an immeasurable way. 

***

We had already finished Week Two, but I am still behind in creating an Altered Journal cover from Week One's lesson. I had such a busy week that I couldn't begin on it right away, but I am determined to work on it and finish at my own pace. 

I spent today looking through magazines and found some clippings of words, quotes, titles, and also images of models and cool backgrounds, like the peacock feathers which I love. This is my first time actually doing a mixed media collage using cut outs from magazines, so I'm not that familiar with this technique, but I'm really excited to finally experiment with it and see how it turns out.

So, here is a peek at what I've done midway, using this lady that I cut out from a magazine ad, ephemera, acrylic paints, stickers, rubber stamps, and a butterfly die cut. Will share more details on that once I complete this project. :)

I'm about to leave to watch the Niners playoff game, so this is going to be sitting on my table until I get back! Woot, woot!!

GO NINERS!!!!!!

He{Art} Canvas | Faith + Hope + Love Revealed

 

Materials Used: Gesso, heavy body acrylics, liquitex fluid paint, spray inks, alcohol inks, pan pastels, watercolor crayons, cling stamps, white ink pens, faber castell pitt pens, chipboard letters, fixative spray, and matte UV sealant spray.

A while back, I posted a sneak peek of a art canvas I made for a friend. Actually, it was a request that my lovely friend, Juby , wanted to give to her sweetheart, Mark, a mutual friend of mine as well, as a surprise present for Christmas. When she contacted me about it, I was really surprised and of course happy that someone totally unexpected even considered my work. As a newbie who has only been doing this for several months, it really helped motivate me to keep doing my best in all that I create and not be so caught up on trying so hard to be perfect or exactly like other artists. With each project, I can begin to define my signature style and learn what unique methods or techniques I am comfortable with. Not to say, that I won't try out new ones because I am always eager to keep learning new things, but at least I can have a basic feel of what makes me who I am when it comes to my art.

Fast forward three months later, I was able to finally hand this gift to them and it really uplifted my heart to know that my work is truly appreciated.  Mark has a strong connection to the verse in Corinthians 13:13 and has found a deep desire to live his life according to "Faith, Hope, and Love". So, Juby was very thoughtful in giving him something very precious and meaningful to him... So sweeeeet!!!

In the canvas, I didn't put those words in the exact order, but I ended up centering 'Love' as the main focus. I really love this piece, in fact, it's one of my favorites so far. I absolutely love the colors and the texture of background, the graffiti style and grungy feel of the letters and details, and simply because it speaks such a beautiful message.

Although this gift was for someone else, I felt that it was a gift to me as well... It pushed my limits and allowed me the opportunity to experiment and learn to let my creativity go. I seriously want to make another one like it, just for ME <3  

Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to share what I've done :) I really hope it inspires you! It's just the beginning!

xoxo,

Creatively Made With Jeanne Oliver

Source: jeanneoliverdesigns.com via Dahlia on Pinterest

As you all know, my journey in mixed media began with Christy Tomlinson's --- She Had Three Hearts Workshop. Never did I expect this to take me to places within my heart and soul, that I never knew existed. Today, I opened an email and read about this new e-course, Creatively Made, that Christy has teamed up with Jeanne Oliver of Jeanne Oliver Designs. After watching the video intro, I was completely filled with so much excitement and joy because right now, as you all know, I'm going through such a difficult transition with our move. I so need this and feel that so many of us who are searching for their God-given gifts can really benefit from this course. I know I am. I struggle all the time with my past and emotions that still linger and haunt me. Creativity has alway been one of my strongest antidotes other than my spiritual journey as a Christian.  And what has been my most trusted remedy in helping me overcome my struggles and fears, is my FAITH and my ART.  I hope that you will join me in this course and together we can discover a deeper understanding of our purpose, our gifts, and the blessings that our past, whether good or bad, has to offer to others in need of the same blessing of hope, faith, and love. 

He{Art} Canvas | SNEAK PEEK

::SNEAK PEEK::

He{Art} Canvas | FaithLoveHope

Hey y'all. Just wanted to share a little peek at my latest project. It was inspired by a dear friend. I think it's one of my favorite pieces so far and I cannot wait to share it with you. So stay tuned :) 

XOXO,

Pacifica Sunset | Love Is Constant | Family Time

Late Sunday afternoon, my family and I took a leisure walk by the beach and stayed to watch the sunset. I had been sick all week and wanted to enjoy time with my family. The weather was warm and breezy as it usually is sometimes in late October, which we call Indian Summer.  The view of the ocean was so peaceful and serene as the waves were so unusually calm. The sun cast this glow that made the entire ocean look golden. It was simply beautiful. 

As the sun lowered in the horizon, I thought about how the sun sets and rises every single day. We know that when night comes, that the morning is inevitably going to come the next day. It reminded me of two things. One, how some things in life are CONSTANT, even when a lot of things seem to change. Time is constant. The sun and moon are constant. The waves are constant. And it soon made me realize how so many times, through so many seasons that I've gone through, God's love has always remained constant. So whatever seasons I go through, I know that nothing can change His love for me. Secondly, I was reminded that every day is a NEW day. The moment the sun goes down, I have to try my best to leave my past troubles or worries behind, and start the next day with a new and fresh attitude that I can make it a better day. I know, it's never that easy to do and I may not always accomplish it, but sometimes when I stop to look at the world around me and the wisdom that comes from His creation, I can't help but to remember to live each day as if it were my last. I don't want to waste time, spending my life carrying unnecessary baggage or resentment. I don't want to keep questioning my past and continue to live in regret. I don't want to let life slip by while I'm too hung up on feeling sorry for myself or caught up in thinking 'what if' I did this or that. I want to enjoy my life regardless of the disappointments and mistakes that I or other people have made. Each day is a gift and I intend to receive each day as another chance to make better choices and become a better person. 

We live and learn. And in everything we go through, we have a loving Father who "works everything out for good, according to His purpose and plan." Wherever the road leads me, I know that if I stumble and fall, I know that I'll find my way back on track again and the Lord will guide me where I need to go, because GOD'S LOVE IS CONSTANT.

[At the cliff side]

[Walk on water = step out in faith]

[Stay Gold]

[Shadows of Time]

[Colors of Heaven]

[Like the sun that rises and sets, His love is CONSTANT]

[PRECIOUS: A Father + Son Moment | My hubby & youngest son, Lucas]

Be Blessed,

He{Art} Journal | Let It Rain...

My recent He{Art} Journal -- LET IT RAIN...

Its been over a month since we realized the fact that it's time to sell our home and move. Most of my art supplies were already boxed up to get our home in order for the open house showings.  I was dealing with so many emotions that I needed to paint and express it through art. It was a cold and rainy week, so it only added to my depression. But, in between those days I had caught a glimpse of a rainbow which reminded me of God's promise in the Bible, only to remind me of the promises He personally gave me a long time ago... So, I went and dug through my art box and got what I needed to create this page. 

Rain.

So many times I forget how important it is for us to have RAIN. Rain makes things grow and washes the earth. Rain cleans the air and refreshes it. Without rain, there are no rainbows. :) To me, I relate it to the moments that I struggle with problems and go through trials. But, then how could I appreciate my blessings if I have never suffered grief or felt pain? If we had a perfect life, how can we be thankful for what we have? Could it be that God puts us in these situations where we're cornered by our worldly problems only to find ourselves in desperate need of Him AND to not take anything for granted? I believe so. At least, that's the pattern I've recalled in my past experiences. The times that I've been most vulnerable and broken, were the times that I felt the closest to God. He would show me in ways through loved ones, strangers, through unexpected places or things that I am loved and not alone in my suffering. I've also found what it means to exercise our faith, how to live a life of hope, and most of all, how to receive His perfect love. He promised us He would never leave or forsake us. I sometimes think to myself, "God, do you even care? Where are you when I need you, God?" But, as always He does come through. Just not on my terms or my timing, because His plans for me and His timing is always perfect.

Real life lessons are never learned the easy way, at least for me, it was always the hard way. If being shaken up by our circumstances causes us to stop and wake up from complacency and indifference, I know it's only because He loves me too much to allow me to live a life apart from Him. So when troubles arise and I'm stuck between a rock and hard place, there's only one place I can run to... to Jesus. As much as my stubbornness wants to tell me, I don't need ANYONE to fix my problems, I can do it ALL. BY. MYSELF. (Something my kids tell me all the time!) Ha! But, what do you know, I don't have all the answers and I don't exactly have all the strength to fight a battle that is bigger than I. So, if God is bigger than my problems and His power and strength is greater than mine, than I need to surrender it all to Him. 

So although, I am still human and life will never be perfect, I have to choose each and every day if I'm going to trust in Him or give up, even in the most precarious moments. Rainy days are blessings in disguise and when it rains, I have to remember that I need the rain as well. I need to be tested and walk through valleys if I want to gain a heart of wisdom and increase my faith. And when the rain ends, I hope to see the growth in my life. When I've finished the test, I hope to see the rewards. When I've finished crossing the deep valleys, I hope that I'll reach the mountain top and have a clearer understanding of the big picture. Then, I can testify that GOD is GOOD, not sometimes, but ALL THE TIME. Most of all, I will know that I was never alone and that God's grace has carried me through it all, and it was only to get me to a better place and to become a better person.... Selah.

Here is a video that my dear friend, Juby (thank you Juby!), shared with me that has blessed me immeasurably. Listen to the words and take time to know that you are blessed, even through the raindrops and the tears:

"Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

P365 | WK 9 : Day 57 | Theme : Things You Wish Never Happened

Hello Friends,

Today is Day 57 of my Project 365. Since it's Monday, I also would like to share my weekly theme--Things You Wish Never Happened. I know, it's kind of sounds a bit melancholy, but it's real life and that's what this project is about. If all we did was take pictures of flowers, sunsets, and happy faces all year long, I think I've defeated my purpose of even joining this group. And quite frankly, I think it would make my P365 album seem quite boring if you ask me. Every life has it's ups and downs and moments that are not perfect. So this week, I choose to focus on the disappointments, painful memories, the mistakes and imperfections that I might encounter and/or have endured....

DAY 57

09/19/11

Location: Woodlawn Cemetery

Camera: iPhone 

My mother's birthday was over the weekend, but as much as I wanted to pay her a visit, I had to babysit my nieces and also needed to do a photo shoot with my hubby. I finally went today after I dropped my boys off at school. I cut some of the dahlia flowers that grew in our garden to place at her grave. 

Even though it's been 25 years since she passed, I still get emotional. Most of the memories I have of her are just bits and pieces of our lives in my old childhood home where I would see her cooking in the kitchen and the delicious food she would make. I can still envision her brushing her hair in the bathroom mirror, sitting at the dining room table talking on the phone or doing the bills. I also remember how she got mad at me and chased me around the table with her slipper so she can spank me after I threw a pillow at her, but then we both ended up laughing together in the end. I remember her laugh and her smile. She was very soft spoken and kind hearted towards everyone she met. At night, sometimes she would sing us songs to sleep and tell us stories about Jesus. Her faith in God was not just through her words but her actions as well, so very giving and unselfish. I remember her hands, how rough they were from all her hard work around the house, but those hands were also very gentle and willing to do whatever she needed to do to keep our family and our home a happy place... 

There was one vivid memory I had of the time I was playing with some kids on my block and we had a bike race downhill from the top of my street. I was in the winning lead until my bike crashed to its side and I lay there in pain crying. My friends helped walk me back to my house and my mom was doing laundry in the garage. She stopped to pick me up and carry me up to my room and took care of whatever was hurting or bleeding. I knew she was worried, yet she was calm and made sure that I was okay and she would pray over me. I remember when she found out the news that she had Leukemia and I had just walked in the door from school. That was the day she left home to be hospitalized for most of the next 6 months until she lost her battle with cancer. And that was the beginning of a long, scary, dark road that led me through some of the most insidious and traumatizing experiences as a teen and as a young adult. But, thankfully and graciously, I found refuge, freedom, and hope in God's love. It took years for me to really recover from my past and I'm still a work in progress, but God has been faithful to continue his work in me. Somehow, as time passed by, it all made perfect sense how my past has brought me where I needed to be and gave me the capacity to really appreciate life and the blessings I now have. Ironically, even though I wish all the time that my parents would've never passed away so soon, I honestly am grateful for how much it has built my character, my faith, and love for life and my family.....

Until we meet again, Mom and Dad. 

He{ART} JOURNAL | Home Is....

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the Managing Editor of a well-known publication company which I choose to not disclose yet, not until I find out if my art work does or does not get selected to be included in their January 2012 issue. But, the fact that my work had attracted interest, has surprised me because I have never been published, nor did I even expect the opportunity to come knocking at my door. I am truly humbled and blessed. Whether or not I will see photos of my art journal printed and sold on the shelves at bookstores, it has motivated me to never underestimate my creativity or ability to inspire others. 

Here is the most recent page that I completed before I shipped my journal out, called "Home Is...". The quote says, "Where we love is home--home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts..." I chose this quote because I've moved so much in my lifetime, yet every place I have lived has left me with fond memories especially my childhood home. And in the present moment, 1132 is our house number and it is the home that both my boys are growing up in. So many precious memories are made here for all of us and we hope to live in this house for as long as we can. However, with the economy crisis and so many people on our block moving due to financial hardships, it worries me that one day we may face the decision to move as well. Only God knows what will happen, so we continue to have faith in His plan. 

He{ART} Journal | Home Is...

Simply ME | Believe Art Canvas

Hello!!!

Today I wanted to share one of my mixed media art canvases that I recently worked on. It wasn't at all what I thought it would turn out to be. I seriously just took a leap of faith and experimented with it. After watching a few video tutorials that I searched on You Tube, I knew that I wanted to dig deeper into my creativity and let whatever I had inside, flow. If you read my post about my very first art canvas--My Creative Voice, taking a blank canvas to make something out of it can be very intimidating and scary. This being my second project, I had a little bit more confidence than before and learned to not fear mistakes. We all want to be perfect, but it's just not possible when we are all imperfect one way or another and that is perfectly normal because we are human. Right? Every little details, strengths and weaknesses, are what makes life beautiful as a whole....

The process that this took for me to create this, was really liberating. In the end, I felt like I had discovered a hidden part of me that I never knew existed. It was such an awakening for me since I struggled at times with my insecurities that I am not good enough or not as artistic like some of the most admirable artists that I have come to respect and love. Deep down, I crave to be different and to be able to achieve my own individual style.  Often at times, I think about whether or not I'm being who I'm supposed to be and not trying to be like everyone else. Part of me wants to be just like those who have inspired me, but then I also don't want to get too caught up in trying to be like others, that I end up failing to be true to me, which is why I tend to feel lost and frustrated at times when I create. I want to be original, real, and authentic, someone who is comfortable in her own skin without the need to be exactly like others in order to be satisfied and content with who I am.  Simply put, I don't want to be molded into someone else's shoes. Easier said than done, but I know I have to choose to look beyond my imperfections in order to embrace my uniqueness and stick to my own personal style. Like I mentioned above, our mistakes and flaws that we see in ourselves, all plays a part in becoming that unique and special person that we are.  All those little bits and pieces of good and bad, are what develops our character and qualities that set us apart from everyone else.  So, that is what I have learned so far in my journey in becoming a true artist, but simply being ME and who I truly am as a person...

 After applying gesso to the canvas, I randomly squeezed out acrylic and craft paint all over

 I used a old plastic card to spread the paint, mixing some of the colors up.

 While paint is still slightly damp, I splattered water on it and dabbed it dry with paper towel. I also used bubble wrap to add more texture and dimension.

 Once the paint was dry. I tore out hearts out of text book paper and planned where I was going to place them onto the canvas.

 I crumpled the hearts up for that aged and worn feel.

 I adhered the hearts using gel medium then, gave it some color using alcohol inks. I also added other stenciled shapes using paint.

Throughout the next few days, I added finishing touches with doodles, journaling, stamps, and paint splatters before I sealed it all with Mod Podge.

Title is BELIEVE | MATHEW 6:21 

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Journaling: "Living your best life takes passion to see your dreams come true. It takes passion to LIVE, to LOVE, and to CREATE the person you are meant to be. God destined you for an AMAZING purpose... Be true to yourself"

Thank you so much for reading through and hope you were inspired! I also have an upcoming post of some of my first Art Journal pages that I am creating for Christy Tomlinson's workshop--She Has Three Hearts. So don't forget to come back and visit!

xo,

Elderly Love....

The last week or so, Lola (filipino name for grandmother) has had a few visits to the ER because of her heart and gave all of us a scare. But, as we kept our faith and prayed for her, she came out of it okay. She is a fighter both physically and spiritually. Today, we decided to all go to the beach and take a walk with Lola. She has been advised by the doctor to try and get some exercise. She struggled at first, each step was a little challenging for her, but she kept going. After a short stretch, she wanted to turn around and go back, but we found a bench where she can sit and rest. All of us gathered around her and I could not help but take this picture of my boys sitting with their great grandparents (shown above). It made my heart simply melt.

As we started our walk back to the car, I know she was really pushing herself to take each step. She expressed that she was already tired and wanted to go home. We all congratulated her and enthusiastically told her that we were proud of her :) She looked at us and just gave us this big old smile! It was GREAT! She also said, "I'm happy. You're spending time with Lola."

Sometimes, I can't help but really admire elderly couples who have been married for decades and still hold on to one another with sincere devotion and dedication. It's such a gift and it is the example that I hope my husband and I hope to follow. Also, it is such a blessing to witness that they have lived to see the fourth generation. At 82 (LOLA-great grandmother) and 89 (LOLO-great grandfather), they are still very much alive and well with hearts and minds that are still strong and sharp. They do suffer age related weaknesses, but nonetheless, they have managed to keep going and refuse to stop living life as much as possible. 

Time is so short. I can't help but realize that these are the years to really cherish life with Lola and Lolo. It's amazing how their lives have made such an impact upon us that I know will last forever. My boys especially cannot go a day without wanting to be with them or at least see them since they live downstairs in our home. Their presence has definitely been significant in our home and in our family, always showing us compassion, love, and support. There have been lots of memories created with my boys that are priceless and precious, moments that I hope my boys will always remember. Every day, I hope to make every second count with them and to really treasure their lives as much as possible...

First Mixed Media Canvas | My Creative Voice

Last week, I was in this funky mood and it really stunk. I mean, I just couldn't shake it off and it felt like I was drowning within. Ever felt that way? If you want to know why I was in this little funk, you can read more about it here. Whenever I'm feeling that way, words are so hard to come by when I want to express what that is. So, after praying and meditating, I found a way to execute those feelings and thoughts.

I painted.....

Staring at a blank canvas can be so intimidating and a little scary. Before I started to put anything down, I worried about how I was going to do it, what colors to use, what to draw, and basically if it will turn out the way I want it to. Most of all, I was afraid to make any mistakes. Then it dawned on me, that MISTAKES are meant to happen as we go through life, isn't that right?? We all make mistakes and that is inevitable. Life is not perfect and so are WE. So, once I got over that fear, I jumped right into it whether or not I messed up. The only thing I let loose, was my imagination and it just took off from there. Yes, there were moments that I didn't like what I saw, but I kept going by painting another layer over it, redrawing and recreating textures and colors, and simply going with the flow. What was not so attractive before eventually became beautiful to me and that is the beauty of mixed media and art journaling. I felt like it reflected my life, how I've experienced such a difficult upbringing filled with so much pain, confusion, and resentment, but eventually became a life that has been enriched with grace, love, and joy....

On this 8x8 canvas, I gessoed it and played around with what I have on hand--craft acrylics, watercolor pencils, dry watercolor paints, heavy body acrylics, a butterfly rubber stamp, and india ink pens. I also experimented with collage using paper from an old book and gel medium. In the beginning I didn't expect to sketch out a portrait, but it evolved as I went along and in the end, I doodled the title--"I have a creative VOICE."  This is what the journaling reads....

"Creating art is my voice. Silence is my canvas where ideas begin to unfold and expressions of my heart can only be spoken through color and the creativity that flows through my hands. Spread your wings and fly."

I was a little reluctant to share this at first, thinking that I'm so new at this and cannot compare to the amazing mixed media artists out there. But, you know what, I'm doing this for me. This is what helped me get through the funk and gave me a sense of hope. I know that whatever I create is unique and straight from the heart which is authentic to who I am. Every artist starts somewhere and this is where my journey begins into mixed media art and art journaling. More to come....

xoxo,

25 Years Ago....

Just wanted to share a little bit about why May 21st is such a significant date for me (no, not because of the recent scare of Judgement Day). Every year, May and June always seems to be those few months out of the year, where I find myself a little down and depressed, especially when Mother's and Father's Day come around. This year marks 25 years since my beloved mother passed away from Leukemia and regardless of how so many years have come and gone, I still feel that pain and sorrow as if it were yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I do celebrate their lives and honor them during these special holidays and am very thankful that I can still cherish the memories I have of them. But of course, I still yearn and long for yesterday and often question what life would be like if they had lived. So, just wanted to briefly share what has been on my heart lately and how at times I tend to get lost in my emotions whenever I think of my parents being gone too soon. Yet, I do believe that one day when that moment comes, I will be reunited with them again and all I could do is live each day, one day at a time, living out my life the way they would have wanted me to, especially to be the best wife, mom, sister, and friend to those that are near and dear to my heart....

xoxo,

SIMPLIFY. BALANCE. FOCUS. PERSEVERE.

Hello and Happy Wednesday!


Right now, I should be working on several projects that need to get done on my to-do list, but with such a crazy schedule it's hard to focus on one thing at times. Being a stay at home mom and a independent designer can be challenging because there are times when it feels too overwhelming. First, you have a 24/7 job as a mother and wife to keep the family and home happy. Then, out of the entire day I may have a few hours here and there to design and fulfill assignments for my shop along with investing time to promote and advertise as much as possible. In order to keep the momentum going for customers and followers to commit to you, you can't afford to be inconsistent, otherwise this business will never really grow or succeed very well or even at all. It's tough and there are moments where I wonder if I'm wasting my time, but I feel like this is my passion and I love what I do so I am reminded that PERSEVERANCE is key.

I may not be on the cover of a magazine or have 10,000 followers on my social media sites, but I know that even those who have succeeded to that level, started out at the bottom. Success doesn't happen over night and it sure doesn't just fall on your lap. There's so many out there who have had to work extremely hard, some may have had to make huge sacrifices, or had dealt with failure before they were able to reach the top. Mistakes are always your best teachers because that is where the most valuable lessons are learned. Whatever the case, true success never comes easy, it always comes with a price.

The other day, I sat in my car and instead of praying like I usually do, I asked God to just speak to my heart and I will listen. This is what I felt resonated in heart, "...there's more to life than what you think, there's more in store, but how much are you willing to give or sacrifice in order to receive it?" I sat there and meditated on that simple, but profound message. I realized there were a lot of things in my life that needed to be eliminated or simplified because they were taking my focus away from my vision that I had for my life, my family, and my purpose. They weren't necessarily bad things, but it were little things that ended up becoming big distractions which took away my focus on the areas of my life that I needed to give more attention to. Balance is basically what I often have a hard time achieving, which means my priorities need to be straightened out and in place. Not at all easy to do, but it's definitely something I am learning as I go as I travel this journey...

So, hopefully this is just one of those lessons that I can share with someone out there who may feel like they've almost lost their passion or desire to succeed in doing what they love to do as a career... It's so easy to give up, but as long as you remember to SIMPLIFY your life, find BALANCE and to stay FOCUSED, but most of all PERSEVERE.... You will SUCCEED!!!

xoxo