Thursday Things: Inspired by Purple

Purple:

The color that results between mixing blue and red

The color that only the rich people wore in medieval times due to the rarity of blue dye

The color of my bedroom growing up (actually it was lavender)

The color of plums, grapes, some onions, and eggplants. 

The color that has been on my mind this week. 

Here are some purple things from here and there that I like:

1. This one shoulder strap bandeau bikini top from Anthro. Yes summer is on my mind and oh how I wish I had a pool in my backyard!

2. This Mini Purple Dahlia Clutch from JohnMetBetty's shop. It is just too darn cute. 

3. This lightweight purple hoodie from Target. I know it isn't that special, but I was looking at all my hoodies and sweatshirts this week and noticed all of them were either grey or black! Not so cheerful or fun for spring. Plus it is only $16.00. 

4. Purple dress from Macy's by Ruby Rox. I always  say I want to wear more dresses in the summer and then never do. I think there's something about dresses that makes me feel like I'm trying too hard or something. You know what I mean? But when you think about it dresses actually take less work than wearing anything else. It is only one piece of clothing to put on!

5. This last find is by far my favorite. A vintage 1983 My Little Pony Suitcase from decade's etsy shop. If I had a little girl she would own this. 

Hope this Thursday finds you well! 

Getting my Fixx

About a month ago I was feeling brave and submitted some of my artwork to the Indie Fixx Galleria, which is an online gallery of indie goods  featuring a juried mix of indie designers & boutiques. Last weekend I got an email saying they have accepted my submissions (big smile). So from April 29th- June 10th I am displaying eight pieces of my artwork there. It's amazing what happens if you just put yourself out there isn't it? Indie fixx also has a blog and lots of other great links. If you feel like exploring, check it out and support independent artists in the world! 

I also wanted to thank some of my dear friends for purchasing some of my artwork recently. It means the world to me that you like what I do. I think the encouragement I have received from my friends really makes an impact on me. It reaffirms that I am on the right path and that I need to keep listening to my intuition. And thank you to all who read and comment on my blog! Your presence does not go unnoticed. I get excited to come to this place everyday to see what you have shared with me. 

Believing and charging on....

me

Blossoms Treasures and A Story

So far today.....

 I looked up and marveled at the purple blossoms on this tree. I think maybe the reason people make art is because we envy how nature produces it effortlessly. 

On my walk today I found these treasures. Two smooth rocks and a helicopter leaf. As a kid I was more obsessed with rocks than I was with barbies. I was an explorer looking for the most beautiful and unique rocks I could find in our gravel driveway. I collected them in a yellow plastic butter container. Helicopter leaves could also entertain me for hours. It was fun to collect as many as I could as a kid and then toss them up in the air and watch them fall magically all around me. 

Chronicles of Mowing:

I have to mow my lawn every four days. It grows that fast. I do not own a self- propelled mower so I turn mowing into my workout for the day. I usually go fast while jamming on my ipod. Well, last week everything changed. I was mowing and minding my own business when this sweet toad jumped into the path of my mower! I saw half of his body go one way and half go the other...it was a site unfit for children's eyes and my own. I felt so sad. I blamed myself for going too fast. 

Then...while I was weed whipping around the house I accidentally killed a small snake!  This happened within five minutes of killing the frog. It was not a good day. 

So it turns out that my trusty yellow mower is actually a killing machine in disguise. Who knows how many other toads, frogs, and bugs lives it has cut short (no pun intended). 

Today I mowed my grass very slowly. I kept my eyes about 3 feet ahead so I would not murder anymore amphibians. By the grace of God I spotted two and safely put them out of harm's way. This is one of the toads I saved :) He was very kind to pose for a photo. 

Hope you find some treasures today and save a life or two.

Thursday Things: Etsy

This week's Thursday Things is inspired by the colors of the sea and sky! I have been drawn to these colors all week and I think it might be because of Earth day? Enjoy :)

1. This set of four 5 x 5 inch prints from irenesuchockie's shop will surely make you want to spend the day laying on a blanket in the grass watching the clouds roll by. 

2. This Turquoise with moss pleats zipper pouch by ziazia is fun and stylish. I can see myself taking a stroll around town with it clutched in my hand.

3. Ok. I want everything in  heirloom08's shop.  This shirt is adorable and the photograph is equally impressive don't you think?

4. If you haven't noticed I am kind of obsessed with decorative pillows and this week's etsy featured seller alexandraferguson makes lots of em. I especially love this aqua moss bud explosion pillow. You can read her etsy interview here. 

5. Don't forget that Mother's day is around the corner. Send a fun card like this one from figure22's shop to your mom or a mom you wish was your mom. 

Big Painting

Hey there you blog readers you

Here is a picture of what I made today. Actually it took yesterday and today. You can click the picture to see a bigger view.  I have been busy as a bee and a bird lately. My mind is filled with all these ideas and projects. It is like an explosion of creativity or something! Better ride the wave while it lasts, right? 

~I will be back later with a Thursday Things post ~

let your spirit dance

~my feet~

Do you wake up in the morning and feel like the possibilities for the day are endless? This is how I have been feeling every day since quitting my job last year. It is liberating for my spirit. I remember this time last year I was teaching at a middle school. As hard as I tried to "love" my job I couldn't deny the voices and whispers in my heart that kept telling me:

"This isn't you"  "This isn't the right path for you." "You can't force this job on yourself." "You are suffocating"

It is funny how the rational part of yourself tries to squash these voices:

"But sometimes you like this job." "You are making money now!" " It will get easier with time"......

It was like a game of tug of war in my head! It is so hard because society teaches us to go to school, get a degree, get good grades, get a steady paying job, and live happily ever after.  We are told when we grow up that we can be whatever we want to be, but usually this concept is squashed in high school when you are trying to choose a college major and it feels like there are so many limitations in the world. Expectations determine the path we take. We are asked "What do you want to major in?" when we should be asked "What makes your spirit come alive?!" 

Since I have always been the kind of person to follow my heart rather than my head. I finally squashed the rational side of my mind and wrote down my decision on the white board in my office: 

 I WILL NOT GO BACK NEXT YEAR

This was a pivotal moment. My creative side cheered! "YES. This is the first step. Don't doubt yourself." At this point I had to trust that what I was doing was the right thing, but the flood gate of fear came pouring over me. What was I going to do next then? What will people think of me quitting a perfectly good job? How will I make money? Am I crazy? 

I knew that I wanted to live a creative life. I wanted to honor the gifts that God has given me. I wanted to make artwork, to learn, to explore, and to share this path with others. I created space in my life for this dream. It is slowly coming along and I get excited about all my small victories, whether I sell a print in my shop, finish a new painting, or get compliments on my art. 

Luckily I have a very supportive husband. He knew I wasn't happy with my job. I have been so blessed to have found a person who cares about me and my happiness more than an extra paycheck every month. In turn, I will always support what his heart tells him and encourage him to do what he loves as well. 

Please know that I don't think everyone should quit their jobs and be an artist. I know many people who love and enjoy their jobs. I have one friend who is an extraordinary teacher and I can't imagine her doing anything else. What I do believe is we should do what makes our spirit dance. As far as I know we only get to live once. We need to make brave decisions and live passionately. 

These were fun to make

I was inspired by Ashley over at her blog 31 experiment to make my own business cards. It made complete sense to me as an artist to make my own, rather than paying someone else money to make cards that may not even reflect my style or personality. I love anything with a handmade touch, so I am hoping potential art lovers/buyers will appreciate this too. 

To make these I used leftover scraps of watercolor paper, embroidery thread, faber castell pit pens, and  watercolor paint.  It was a fun way to spend my morning, listening to Heart (sometimes I like to rock out) and making these colorful cards. I blurred out my phone number because my husband hates it when I give out too much info :)

I would like to say "Thanks Ashley!" for writing such a useful post. 

If you haven't entered to win one of my art prints and are still interested you still have time to enter. Go here. A winner will be announced tomorrow!

it all grows...

...in my yard

Azalea bush

Azalea ( This one flowers three times a year!)

Hosta

Begonias (looking a little beat up after being planted)

I enjoyed a day of planting, weeding, mulching, and singing along to some Feist, Adele, and Amy Seeley on my ipod. I think I might have even gotten a little color on my face. 

What a plant-tastic day!

Thurday Things: Inspired by Spring

(click here to see where this image came from)

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The stunning images above were taken by some great photographers on Flickr. They have also inspired some of my thursday things choices below. Isn't it great how nature influences life? From fashion to art to food to pretty much everything. All items below are things  that I would love to wear as I frolic through a flower field .....or just wear anywhere

~ necklace from anthro~

~Shoes from anthro~

~ hat from The Gap ~

~ yellow swimsuit found at Vogue ~

~ Cute top from forever21~

****Bonus! I didn't know you could order online from forever 21! Where have I been?

Thankful

* Postcard that I recieved in the mail yesterday made by my beautiful and talented auntie Anne (who really should be more like a cousin because she doesn't age)

“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.”

~Mary Sarton

Enjoy the weekend

Try Something New

*Amelia Bedelia....not looking so merry as a take her photo.

Sometimes...just sometimes I need a break from painting/drawing. I think it is important to try new things, even if you don't know if you will be any good at it. How will you know if you never try? Most of us find we are really good at one thing or kind of good at a couple things. Well you might need  a hobby to fall back on when you need a break. Even if you feel a little clumsy at it like I felt when I started embroidering this funny little towel!

My grandma Ruth taught me how to embroider when I was about ten years old. She bought a small tea towel that had a vegetable design on it as a template to follow. I remember being so excited to learn this new craft. The bright colors of the thread mesmerized me and the fact that she trusted me to use a sharp needle made me feel grown up. I decided to give this fun craft a try (now 16 years later) and realized it is really fun and relaxing.  

I think next time I will draw my design on the towel before beginning! It looks a little crooked, but maybe that adds a little charm? Anyways, eat, drink, be merry and share something you like to do as a hobby!

Art Giveaway

Hi friends

A lovely blogger is featuring some of my work this week and doing a giveaway of one of my prints. I feel so honored by this :)  Jen also has her own organic clothing etsy shop which you can find on her blog as well. I am so excited to give a peice of art to someone who will enjoy it. If you are interested all you need to do is head over to her site and post a comment to enter. 

 Thanks so much Jen! 

artwork

I reworked an old painting and this is what i came up with. Yay for bright colors!

Artwork

New painting/collage made with handcolored cut flowers, watercolors, and acrylic paint on 8x10 inch canvas. 

Now I'm off to go plant some veggies in my garden!

Have a springy weekend!

Thursday Things: I love our Planet

Happy Thursday everyone! This week I decided to feature some wonderful etsy sellers who are earth friendly :) Enjoy.

I love the concept of taking something used/old and making it new again. These wine glasses from  bodhicitta would be great for entertaining and a fun conversation starter when having company over. If you read the shop announcement you will also find that all the packaging is also recycled. Great for mother earth = great for us!

Gotta love these cute Go Green Pin set by DareToBeStupid. Great to wear on bags, scarves, jackets, hats, or wherever you please.  You should definitely check out some of the other pins in the shop...hilarious!

I love that you can find handmade laundry detergent on etsy!  I will definitely consider buying some from ecoeveryday's shop once my other detergent runs out. This detergent is made with all natural ingredients that are good for the earth and for the hands :)  In their shop announcement they discuss the hazards or normal detergent and its effects on the environment. 

I love this idea! Why bother with plastic bags in the grocery store when you can use your very own adorable and reusable happy vegetable bags from wonderthunder's shop. 

These rustic frames by ParadiseWoodDesigns are super cool. They are made from old barn wood. I heart barns. Great for the cabin up north or for anyone with an eclectic style.  

Peace out!

Colorado

My trip to Colorado was much needed. What was mostly needed was seeing my best friend and of course seeing her adorable baby, Theodore (whom we endearingly call Teddy).

I was amazed at what a wonderful mother my friend was...not that I didn't think she would be a good mom but I it was just so fun to see her and Teddy interact with one another and to see the love they shared. Every time she would walk in the room Teddy's eyes would light up and a huge smile would stretch across his face. It gave me perspective on what it will be like someday to have my own babies. 

Teddy and I also had bonding time. I was happy to discover that we shared the same sense of humor. The funnier the face you made at him, the more he giggled and grinned! He also loved it when I sang the song Barbara Anne to him because he could make the noise "ba ba ba" making it easy for him to sing along :) 

I feel like I could go on and on about what a lovely time I had. It was great to see Colorado! The mountains and the views were just breathtaking. I feel so full right now. Full of inspiration and joy from my short trip. I just want to say thank you to Katie, Ryan, and my little nephew Teddy for letting me come visit and making my time so memorable.