21 Secrets LIVE + Give-a-way !

Painting in Progress . . . . 

Ahoy, creative mates! How's your week? It's been a whirlwind here. I just wanted to drop in and share an exciting new project underway: 21 SECRETS LIVE! Have you heard?? It's a delicious extension / celebration of 21 SECRET'S 5th Year!! The incredible light-beam, Connie has put together this bright, new, electric addition and I am so excited to be a part of it. Here is a glimpse of some of the fantasmo artists you'll be going live with:

The cherry on top: I'm offering up 2 FREE SPOTS (woo-hoo!) 

I wanted to do this give-a-way a little differently than last time, and ask you to answer two or more questions. Each question answered will be an added entry for your name! 

1. Who's your favorite Superhero (or villain)?
2. If you had a zillion dollars, what would you do?
3. What is your deepest, wildest dream?
4. Have you ever gone on a sabbatical? Tell us about it!
5. What would you most love to learn about or do next?
6. What's the most daring, scary thing you'd really like to conquer?
7. What holds you back?? (I will collect these answers & do a releasing ceremony!) 
8. What's your favorite place to go, collect your thoughts & get grounded?
9. If you could embody the essence of anyone (past / present), who would it be?
10. Who is your biggest inspiration? Artist / Writer / Speaker / Creative / Being
11. Make up a crazy character and describe them + their hidden talents!

Thanks for playing along. . . I will pull names from the "magic hat" next week. I hope you win!  Here is everything you need to know AND where to sign-up for the early bird special --->> 21 SECRETS LIVE!

Used My Easel for the First Time

work in progress

Hello! I'm happy to share with you my first experience using the easel I found at the Flea Market. There are many emotions floating around with me lately. It was good to let loose and paint.

I've been struggling with managing my time and balancing my heart and mind. I have this feeling that I'm constantly running out of time. Trying to find balance is the most challenging. Right now I'm working and trying to finish a degree in graphic design. Its not a bad job, I can work on little projects while I'm there as long as I keep it low-key, but I prefer to create when I'm home.

I spend a lot of time alone lately. Don't get me wrong, I like company, but in the past year I've taken a step back (or a step forward) to examine my life. I read many great books, mostly written by other female creatives, and did lots of documentation and soul searching. "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron was recommended by a dear friend. I did the entire 13 weeks, answered all the questions, and WOW. My entire life has changed. I'm going to actually purchase the book this year and refer to it often. It may not work for everyone, but it caused me to write daily again (Morning Pages) and answer some tough questions about myself / my past / etc.

Here are some goals I'd like to accomplish by years end: (edit - 1/14/10. i think i have to start setting a smaller list of goals, practicing "micro-movements like sark recommends. my mind gets so far ahead of myself sometimes and then i feel guilty for not getting more done. I finished half of this list.)

1. Food allergy blood testing - i've had migraines my entire life. time to solve the problem!
   
2. List originals on Etsy - i must let go, so new art can be born!
   
3. Make prints of my artwork.
   
4. Order some really good paint.
   
5. Take myself on a date.
6. Make little paintings for gifts.
7. Go get loose leaf tea and crystallized ginger treats.
8. Continue working on our kitchen project.
   
9. Go to dinner with friends / my man.
10. Remember to P L A Y.

Its funny how quickly I forget to do the things that nurture and fulfill me. Little things like venturing out just to take pictures, recording my thoughts as I drive, swinging on swings, taking videos, documenting life. Getting out and stretching my wings.

I wish for you to always remember what nurtures and fulfills you.