March For Preemie Babies!

It's that time of year, when we dig down into our wallets, put on our running shoes, and MARCH FOR PREEMIE BABIES!!  This march is near and dear to my heart, being a NICU nurse, but I'm sure we all have a connection with these fragile babies.  Visit the March for Babies website to search for walks in your area, or if you're in the Sacramento area come walk with me on April 30th at the California State Capitol!!  You can make donation via my website.  Thanks for you support!!!

My Morning Jolt...

You know when you get a jolt of inspiration, and everything seems possible?  Well, I was at the receiving end of that jolt a few times today.  It all started when I visited A Creative Mint, only to discover she had a new blog design... fresh, airy, lovely.  I read her newest post to find out she teamed up with Jo Klima, from The Darling Tree, to create this new site.  I was struck by love when I looked through Jo's portfolio.  I tell you, I have never swooned so hard.  Her designs are so beautiful and soft, and capture everything wonderful about the site she's designing for.  How could I not contact her... still waiting for a response, but I'm still buzzing.

Gypsy Girl's Guide design by Jo

Boho Girl's design by Jo

The second person who rocked my world was Erin Darcy, who created Boho Girl's beautiful logo/header.  Ethereal and safe.  That's what I want the PeachHoneyPreemie logo to be... safe.  So, as you would expect, I contacted her as well.  I'll keep you posted.  Visit her shop here.

Painting and Photo by Erin Darcy

The third person to make my day was Michelle Staley, the creator of the Busy Breather's Oxygen Backpack.  I talked a little bit about her here, but my telephone conversation with her this morning was AMAZING!!  The high I got from talking to her could probably last me all year.  I'm always blown away by the generosity of others, and Michelle is oh so generous!!  And she's a NICU momma, too...  so we had a quite the connection.  I can't wait to really start working with her via Mommy Millionaire.  Check out her wonderful product here.

I'm so excited I could just pee!!

Week18: Interview with Jenny Alexander

Please welcome Jenny Alexander to the blog today.  She is an indie artist, from Lancaster, PA, and is here to talk to us about the wonders of being a mommy, business woman, and creative superstar!!

How did you get started as an artist?  Did you always want to own your own business?

I always wanted to be an artist of some kind and but never even imagined that it might happen one day.  I've dabbled in photography from about age 9 or 10.  My dad was a professional photographer and I grew up shooting photos with him and with a darkroom in our basement that we used all the time.  It was where I really felt the need to create for the first time. I dreamed of being a professional art photographer for many years.

I really found my "place" in live performing venues.  It's strange because I was always very shy as a child but was able to be more bold onstage.  

In college, I met and teamed up with the man who, years later, would be my husband and we began a 10 year career as professional magicians.  We traveled all over the country performing for corporations and at private events and we finally put down roots in Las Vegas.  We headlined there together at Caesars Palace for about seven years and in other venues around the city until we were expecting our first child in 2004.

Once our son was born, I continued on in the show but it eventually became more difficult as he got a little older.  I joke that I retired but really I left the show to be able to stay home more with him.  I gave up the bright lights, celebrity encounters, huge crowds for the quiet joys of motherhood.  It's a choice that I never regretted, although I may make a return to the stage someday!  

It was during this time that I began dreaming of having a career that would allow me to be home, yet still express myself creatively and be successful.

And it was around the time that our second child was born (a little girl this time), that I began creating the technique that I use now.  I use vintage ephemera - old advertisements, antique wallpaper patterns, old sheet music, love letters, greeting cards and art papers.  I collage these together in what I call kaleidoscope collages.  I take a section of the original image and repeat it so that it mocks the look of a kaleidoscope.  The backgrounds are layered with additional vintage images.  It's an intricate look and process and one that I hope is unique and recognizable as my style. I hope that viewers can see a piece and know that it's mine just because of the feel and look.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration EVERYWHERE.  I keep a notebook in my car, keep notes on my phone, remember ideas in my head and try to write them down before I forget them!  I'm completely inspired by old things like antiques, vintage items, old photographs, old letters.  I feel like these things have held onto a piece of the energy from the person who owned them and I love to dream about what life must have been like for that person, at that time.  

I'm also very inspired by music.  When I hear a song that really moves me, I challenge myself to create a piece that mimics that feeling.  I try to create images that tell a story.. through the feel of the piece, the title, the colors and textures, the type of description that I give each one.  It's important to me to give the viewer something to emotionally grab a hold of when seeing the piece.  And I like to give my buyers a story to tell along with the piece to adorn their walls.  

How do you balance being a mother, artist, and business woman?  What is your typical daily schedule?

Oh my.  Well, some days I don't balance it very well! With three small kids in the house, (they are all under 6!) things are sometimes a little unpredictable.  An added challenging element is that my husband is still a performing magician and he's often gone on cruise ships for a week or two at a time.  So, everything is on my shoulders during those times and, honestly, it's not easy.  I like to think that I handle things gracefully and everyone says that I do.  I hope they're not just being nice!

Mornings are pretty crazy getting my oldest two kids ready for school and on the bus.  I always make sure I have time for coffee and a quick email check.  I can usually address one or two quick emails first thing in the morning while the kids have breakfast.

My little one is almost 21 months old and, once the kids are on the bus, we have breakfast together and I can get some work done during Sesame Street.  Thank goodness for Elmo.  Really, really, really.

He plays in the studio while I work and that sometimes goes well, depending on his mood that day.  I'm sure all moms understand that some days kids just need more attention, are grumpy or just plain difficult.  My baby is generally so happy-go-lucky and I'm a lucky Mama that I can do everything that I do with him hanging out alongside me.

His naptime lasts about 3 hours and that's when I hit the work HARD. No stopping by twitter to check on everybody, no peeking at facebook for a quick chat.  If you follow me on any of those places, you'll notice that I disappear from all my normal social media hangouts in the afternoon!

During this time, I'm doing the actual work.  Getting orders "in process," packing up new orders for my daily trip to the post office, working out new ideas and techniques, answering business emails, working on my wholesale contacts and getting into the thickest part of my work day. It's hard to do all that I need to in those few hours and some days, I am literally running.  I save the "leftovers" of work for later on, after the kids are in bed.

Once the kids are home from the bus, it's all family time.  Dinner, homework, playing, reading, baths, snuggles, bedtime.  It's the best part of the day. Those quiet moments tucking them in and whispering in the dark, their faces lit only by their nightlights, reminds me why I work so hard.  It's so I can be home for every moment of their childhood, be their role model, be their best friend, be a great Mama and teach them to be good people making wise and loving choices in their lives.

And I'm proud that my kids see me doing what I love, balancing a pretty tough schedule and making it work.  They see me trying new things every day, sometimes failing but getting up and moving on.  I hope that they learn from me to be passionate and be flexible.  It's what has gotten me where I am right now.

What advice can you give to beginning Etsy sellers?

First off, be patient.  Chances are, this isn't going to happen overnight for you. It certainly didn't for me. Etsy is a huge community with so many sellers and buyers.  Make it as easy as you can to be seen.  Take great photos with some personality.  If I see a product, I'd love to know right away that it was yours, just from the feel of the photo.

Another great tip that I have I usually save for good friends but, we're all good friends here, right?  My biggest break so far was being in an Etsy Finds email.  It was last year and was themed around the movie Eat, Pray, Love.  I actually contacted Etsy about curating a find based on this myself but it was already in the works with an Etsy administrator as curator.  I was excited to be included in the Finds a few weeks later!  I got a ton of sales, contacts, hearts and wholesale contracts. So many eyes saw my shop that week and I'm still riding the wave that it started.

So, here's the nugget of advice... Study what's big in pop culture and tag your items using those things.  Movies, pop culture icons, upcoming holidays (even random ones).  Think like an Etsy admin.  What hip and unique thing could they possibly have their eyes on that might fit with something you make?  Don't stretch it too far and try to draw a ridiculous line between the two things but pick some keywords or phrases and put them in your tags or descriptions as it fits.  My item was black and white henna designs on stone coasters.  They were rustic and warm and I tagged them with "India" and "Eat, Pray, Love."  It was an easy match for Etsy with a nice, clean photo. It made a huge boost in my business and I hope it might do the same for you!

Can you give 5 things that have kept your business successful?

Innovation - All of my collage work is square and I am constantly looking for ways to use those square images... throw pillows, candle holders, magnets, coasters.  Everything I do is pretty much square so it's an easy mold to fill when looking for new ways to use my images. Having new items keeps me interested and hopefully keeps my shop new and fresh for those die hard customers.  Plus, I only make things that I personally love.  That way, even if the new idea doesn't fly, I can keep them for myself!

Flexibility - Whether it be with your daily schedule, fitting in your passion around a full time job or family, flexibility is the key to evolving.  When I feel stuck on an idea and just can't find my way through it, I relax and try to work around the issue, instead of forcing a solution that might not be perfect.  I try not to be too hard on myself and to roll with the punches.  I also do a number of art shows throughout the year and flexibility is a MUST for those!

Face time - Speaking of doing live shows, I think that's so important.  You've got to get out there to see what people are really drawn to.  I have been able to focus my style and product lines so much more easily by doing art/craft shows.  You get to meet your customer and see what they want, see what questions they ask and work on your presentation.  Having this presentation or "elevator pitch" helps you to succinctly express exactly what it is that you do.  This comes in handy in so many situations!  

Down time - Take a break!  As creative, small business owners, we are constantly thinking, creating, networking and DOING.  It's exhausting and I often don't realize it until it's too late and I'm overwhelmed.  So, try along with me to remember to just *stop* a few times during the day.  If I'm not physically working, I'm thinking, planning, conceiving new ideas.  But I've got to take a break, especially in my head!  Even if it's just sitting down with a cup of coffee and watching some Elmo with my baby and having a giggle.  It's just the small break that I need.

Confidence - One thing that I've learned by tackling all of this on my own, is that I can do anything.  If I can run a household, raise three kids, build a business and not go crazy, then I can do ANYTHING. And so can you!  We've all got a ton on our plates while growing businesses, following our dreams and loving those around us.  With good time management, loving support from our families and the energy that momentum brings, we are really unstoppable.  Go for it and share your gifts! 

Do you have any projects you want to promote?

I'm currently preparing for my three big East Coast Spring shows and that's keeping me really busy.  I'll be at Crafty Balboa's April Showers show in Philly, April 30th.  

I'm excited to be a new vendor at the highly coveted Art Star Craft Bazaar in Phildaelphia May 14-15th.  It's at the beautiful Penn's Landing and hosts tons of super cool, artsy and innovative vendors.  I'm over the moon to be showing there alongside several Team Handmade in PA sellers.

And I'll be returning to Silver Spring, MD for one of my favorite spring shows, Handmade Mart on May 22nd.  It's such a great show, with fabulous crowds of handmade lovin' folks that really appreciate my style and my work.  It'll be a great way to round out my spring line up.  

If you're on the East coast, please stop by and say hello!  I guarantee these shows will be fabulous!

And, my work is always available online at my Etsy shop.  I'm always working out new ideas, new product lines and one of a kind or short run goodies.  Drop me a line and say hello!  I love hearing from new Etsy sellers and buyers!


All artwork and pictures courtesy of the talented Jenny.  Thank you so much, Jenny, for taking the time to answer some questions.  You are a true inspiration to all of the busy moms, wondering if they can have it all.  What a beautiful life you have.  Wishing you lots of love and success!  THANK YOU!!

Week 16: A Recent Success

Photo Credit

There are many points along my journey I would consider successes.  By the way, it's ok to be happy for ourselves.  We celebrate each other, so let's give ourselves some props.  We deserve it!  I talked about enjoying the little things in this post, but let me reiterate we have to celebrate the small steps we reach along our road to greatness.  Every little step counts… EVERY ONE.

Our life is made up of many successes, so why focus on one.  Here are a few of the things I'm proud of…

1. I'm figuring out how to build and maintain my own website.  This is HUGE!!  I'm not a technical person, and often have to turn to Brandi and Laura for help.  I'm putting on my big girl britches, and taking it on myself.

2. I haven't had another breakdown, since this one.  I set a schedule for myself, and I'm making it work.  The schedule isn't set in stone.. it's adaptable to the craziness that is my life.  We have to be willing to bend to life's will because there will be days when we can't stand to do anything, but sleep.  So sleep, tomorrow is another day.

3. I'm making tremendous headway with the Preemie clothing line.  There are times we get excited about little opportunities that cross our paths, and when the high starts to fade, so does the project.  The preemie line is NOT the case.  My heart and soul is in this project, and it's going to be incredible!!

4. My backyard is finally getting a facelift.  The weeds are being pulled as I type, we planted 11 plants this weekend, and have plans next weekend to start laying down bark.  Now I need a chaise lounge to enjoy my hard work.

What are you proud of?

Surprise, you've got mail!

I got a lovely little package in the mail today!  Some new Joel Dewberry fabric to play with... I'm in love!! His Aviary collection is so fresh, and is everything I love about Spring.  It's been awhile since I spent the entire day sewing, and this fabric is just the excuse to jump back in the pool.  I'm still determined to open the PeachHoneyPreemie in July, so I need to get crackin!

The hard part, at least for me, about being introduced to a new fabric designer is that my "have to have it" brain is now dying to buy everything is the collection.  Remember my shopping addiction?  How can you not love everything?

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

This weekend is going to be filled with family and food, and I need it!!  Hope all of you have a blessed weekend!

Hardware Store Inspiration

I finally got my fashiondex in the mail today!  I spent the first 2 hours of my days combing through the pages, and sending emails to prospective fabric companies.  There were a lot... A LOT!  There were emails out of date, closed companies, and most of them advertised products they didn't really carry.  I have only received 1 email, out of 30, that said they carried baby rib fabric.  A little discouraging.  A lot frustrating.  What does a girl have to do to get what she wants?  The search continues.

To lighten my mood, I went on a search for some inspiration.  I've been obsessed with patterns, lately.  I'm thinking of doing some baby room art to go along with the preemie clothing line.  Pale colors, simple designs.  Something sweet with a modern twist.  Good idea?

Anyway, Leslie and Sharilyn gave me the geometric buzz.  It's a good buzz to have.  

Journal and Photo by Leslie

Pattern by Sharilyn

I know this may seem odd, but I went to my dad's Plumbing Wholesale company in search of some new shapes.  I hit the motherload!!  My father and his brother own Thrifty Supply Co Inc (I wish they had a website because I would link to it).  The business was started by my grandfather, Ron, when his sons were very young, and has flourished over the years.

The warehouse has aisles and aisles of pipe fittings, tubing, nuts, bolts... and lots of things that are completely foreign to me.  I asked my dad if he could help me find some interesting patterns among the boxes of plumping goodies, and of course he got right to it.  He knows where everything is!  The place is the size of Disneyland... I don't know how he does it.  I'm not going to lie... I got lost.  As soon as I thought our shopping trip was done, he would say, "Wait, I have one more thing."  I sparked a little creativity today.  It feels good.

I got some great stuff!  I have no idea what anything is, I just know they have equally spaced perfect circles and squares.  It doesn't take much to make me happy.  Excuse me as I drool.  Ooooh.... pretty.  

My loot

Where do you find unsuspecting inspiration?

SITS San Diego Bloggy Boot Camp

I'm back home from my SITS Girls Bloggy Boot Camp in San Diego.  Brandi and I had a blast!  We were surrounded by positive and supportive women.  We asked for each other's business cards, shared resources, and offered suggestions.  We tweeted, retweeted, laughed, and even cried.

Brandi and  Me

You know I couldn't have a vacation without a little drama.

After the first presentation I realized I forgot my business cards in my suitcase.  So,  I ran, yes ran, back to the room to grab them.  Did I mention it was a quarter mile?  On my run back to the conference it started to rain.  Perfect.  While trying to take off my sweater to cover my hair (let's face it, no one wants to see what happens to my hair in the rain), I dropped my business cards all over the wet ground.  I looked up to the heavens, and asked, "Why?"

The awesomeness that followed is why.  I'm glad I asked.

My favorite part of the day was sitting and talking with DeNae, an amazing writer and my new hero.  Her presentation had me mesmerized.  During our mingling break, I sat down and asked her, "How do I find my voice?  I'm struggling to find the words to express my constant mind chatter, but finding it even harder to find a voice that is right for the artistic world and my preemie family audience."  She said, "Those are completely different voices, so don't try to make them the same."  So simple.  So powerful.  As an artist I'm loud, sassy, and kinda all over the place.  A a NICU nurse/preemie advocate I'm professional, sometimes stern, but always nurturing and supportive.  Why would I want to force those two voices together?  They need to be separate because their purpose is different.  I don't want to be loud and obnoxious with my NICU families... wrong place, wrong time.  

DeNae & Me (photo by Brandi)

She also said something I was dying to hear.  She said, "You've found your voice.  I can tell."  I could have cried.  I could have wept in front of my new idol.  Ahhhh!!!!  I didn't think I had one, or better yet, I had one buried under fear and hesitation.  I was trying to be someone else.  I was trying to write like other bloggers.  It's so wrong!  I'm not them!!  The purpose for my blog is different, so the voice has to be different.  I don't know why I have such a problem with being myself.  Originality sells.

Tiffany, Fran, and Kat did such an amazing job bringing this group of women together.  Thank you, thank you!!!

Prayers for the fallen...

Photo Credit

Fall seven times, stand up eight
-Japanese proverb

My heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time... stand strong, stand together.

Week 14: Longing for Spring

I'm still waiting for spring.  Craving and dying for spring.  Every day of cloudy and rainy mess is like a knife to my heart.  Shine, sun, please shine!! My rosemary plant is in full bloom outside, the brightly colored purple flowers greet me as I walk by the check the mail.  Good morning, Spring, are you there?

Daylight savings came and went, and now Spring cleaning is just around the corner.  My "Type A" personality loves to purge the unwanted and organize all the other stuff.  

Usually, it's my favorite time of year, but with everything on my plate, this annual event is turning into a huge fiasco.

I have finally started to decorate our house, after a year of living with blank walls and minimalistic furniture.  I need to make this house a home.  Our upstairs guest bathroom has been bare... completely bare.  Nothing but a hand towel and antibacterial soap.  Sick of the nothingness, I took a trip to the our local Home Goods store and stocked up on towels, a shower curtain, a floor rug, and a soap dispenser.  I hung a painting on the wall, and sat a vase full of white lilies on the windowsill.  So much better.  My downstairs guest bathroom needs a redo... with just a small window, and dark brown as the main color, I need a new color scheme to lighten up my life.  Usually when I decorate, I start with a neutral beige and white palette and add a splash of color here and there.  My living room color splash is a rusty orange, the upstairs bathroom is seafoam, and our bedroom olive green.  I'm so drawn to color... bright, pale, rich... they're all welcome.

I got me thinking about the colors that inspire the delicate loveliness of Spring.  Spring and Summer are my time for fresh cut flowers, and while grocery shopping I came across these dainty peach and yellow daisies.  This is my color palette for spring... so delicious and dainty.  Sure to inspire a calm a focused mood all summer long.  What are your spring colors, and where do you find them?

Other news...

I'm glad it was a unanimous decision to combine my two blogs.  This makes my life a whole lot easier.  I have already started the website redesign, now I have to figure out how to implement the finishing touches.  My friend, Laura, had a great post on how to create multiple pages/tabs through blogger... such perfect timing.  Time to grab my cup of coffee and start reading through her posts.  Any one have any other websites on how to customize a blogger layout?

A trip to fulfill my dreams...

I woke up this morning feeling happy, rested and full of possibility.  Everything is falling into place.  I'm busy making blankets and fitted sheets for PHP, and I'm off to San Francisco to meet my sample Lady, Monica.  I could just scream!!

The worst, and best, part of this getaway, is she lives in the fabric district.  Darn it!!  Well, I have been trying to find a few colors is soft flannel, so here's my chance.  My husband has graciously agreed to come on this trip, insisting he wants to make my dreams come true.  Oh, how I love that man!!
How did I get so lucky?  A supportive and loving husband, a blooming future, an adorable dog to cuddle... I have it all.

Some free stuff!!

I can spend hours searching the web for free downloads. My current obsession is free calendars. Since I hate being greedy... I thought I would share my spoils with you. Enjoy!!

If you missed this post, you can find of free full-sized and mini version of the Blog Guidebook Calender here. I secured the full sized version with binding rings for my day-to-day PeachHoney organization.

If you love Owls, check out this free calendar from My Owl Barn. It's absolutely adorable!!

Here's another one from Jeannie... perfect size for the modern on-the-go woman.

I made two of this one (from Design Sponge)... one for my Cousin, Callie, for Christmas, and one for myself. It's a minimalist daily journal, perfect for documenting your daily doings for years to come. All in a cute little box. Mine sits on my nightstand, and every night I record at least one thing that happened that day, even if it only reads "went to work."

That's it for now. I'll keep you posted on more of my free finds. There are amazing free downloads out there... does anyone have any they would like to share?

Bon Appetit!!

Joseph and I watched "Julia and Julia" tonight... it's was a wonderfully delicious movie. Joseph and I were laughing the whole way through... I'm always amazed at how talented Meryl Streep is. But what I loved most was the relationship between Julia and her husband, Paul. "You are the butter to my bread, you are the breath to my life"... to which Joseph said as he turned to me, "You are the mayonnaise to my broccoli." Yes, he puts mayo on his broccoli. He loves it, therefore, he loves me, and that's all I need to know.

Julia and Paul were so utterly in love. Whenever he wrote to friends, he wrote about her... he was proud of her, even in the midst of small failures. He believed in her talent, and was her strong support. What a lucky woman she was. To be surrounded by love, friends, wine... and butter!!! What it must have felt like to be engrossed in what you loved, and to not apologize for it. She was fearless, and we could all use a little of that in our lives. So, Bon Appetit!!!

Celebrating small steps and lovely things...

Kelly Rae made me realize more than ever that we have to celebrate the small steps of our journey (whatever that journey may be... creative or otherwise). It's has become so clear to me that focusing on the positive parts of life, those small victories, has such a powerful way of washing away those negative voices pecking away at our self esteem and strength. "Negative Nelly" is slowing fading into the background as "Positive Polly" is making her debut... she's here, she really is.

Over the course of the last couple weeks, I have watched more and more people follow me and my journey, "like" my fan page, and email me with lovely words of encouragement.... THANK YOU!! The love that has crossed the web has been so powerful and life changing.... THANK YOU!!

I'm also striving to celebrate the "lovely things" in my life... the main thing being my husband-to-be, Joseph. I don't think you understand how amazing this man is. I've said it before, but I'll say it again... he is the most supportive and loving man a girl could ever pray for... and I did pray for him. My prayers were answered. He has always pushed me to follow my dreams, and it's because of him that I have the strength and courage to push through. I love you my Honeybush!!!

Finding your voice through your passions...

While my “day job” added unwanted stress on my life, I continued to pack on the overtime hours in hopes of paying off my car, student loans, wedding, landscape bills, etc. etc… At the same time a friend of mine decided to cut back on her overtime and start her own business applying eyelash extensions (which look AMAZING and natural, by the way)… it was something she was passionate about and loved doing. It gave her the same additional cash without the stress of our hospital job…. and I wanted that!!! So I looked into possible taking a class on administering Botox… it was something I was somewhat familiar with, being a nurse, and something I knew I could make money doing. I got on the internet and searched for reputable companies offering certification… each class was thousands of dollars and didn’t guarantee work, and I was becoming more and more frustrated… and I wasn’t excited about starting my new endeavor, I was dreading it.It wasn’t something I was passionate about… I kidded myself into thinking extra money was going to automatically translate into happiness…


Money was never what was important…my happiness was my #1 one concern. My creative spirit was dying to be heard, and I finally realized it wasn’t going to be recognized injecting women’s faces with Botox. I started to listen to what I really wanted, and it led me to my paintbrush… and all was right with the world. Life is so much brighter!!!

Liberation...

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
–Marianne Williamson

I Will Create!!!

“Courage is seeing your fear, in a realistic perspective, defining it, and choosing to function in spite of it.” –Leonard Zunin

“What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?” Interesting question, isn’t it… it hit me in the face when I read it. Another question Kelly asked us was “When was the last time you felt fearless?” The truth is I don’t remember ever feeling fearless!!! That seemed so strange to me… I’ve always remembered feeling insecure and afraid of failing. In fact, I don’t even try if I’m not positive I’ll be good at something… ridiculous but true. Joseph is always trying to get me to go to the driving range with him to “hit a bucket of balls.” I went once, hit 2 balls out of about 20, and then gave up… and I’ve never been back.

I can remember as a child hoola hooping in front of my house for hours, practicing difference tricks, and never becoming frustrated when the hoop would hit the ground. I would just pick it up and try again… when did that confidence turn into fear? The fear stops now!!! It’s time to define them, face them and LET GO… I deserve to be better!!!

MY FEARS:
I’m not good enough... You’re a talented artist with lots to share with the world!!!
I can never make enough money creating art to pay the bills…. The world is full of people who would appreciate and buy your art if you pour your heart and soul into it!!
I’m not a business woman… You can do anything you put your mind to!!!
I can’t have it all… I CAN HAVE IT ALL!!!

CREATIVITY GOALS:
- Open ETSY shop
- Go part-time at work and supplement income with art sales
- Expand blog audience
- Participate in any artistic class available
- BECOME ARTISTICALLY OPEN AND ARTISTIC!!!

My Declaration...

I'M AN ARTIST!!!!

Inspired by Kelly Rae...

I’ve been so overwhelmed with wedding plans and backyard woes that I’ve slowly felt my creative side withering… and I told myself ENOUGH!! During our Pre-Cana class this past weekend, Joseph and I had an opportunity to talk to each other about our hopes and dreams (beyond the hope of a healthy family with beautiful children… a given as far as Joseph and I are concerned). Joseph wanted to put a little more focus towards his golf game, and I wanted to concentrate on my art career… TODAY IS THE DAY!!! (hence the sudden dedication to the blog… NO MORE EXCUSES JESS!!!) I told myself there would always be a reason to not focus on my dreams, and I would always regret it if I didn’t put 100% into my happiness… it’s worth it, right? Joseph has been telling me he wishes I would paint more… that Joseph, he’s such a love…

Armed with dedication and focus, I got on the internet and visited my favorite creative chickies for an additional artistic boost… SuziBlu, Donna Downey, Ali E, and my girl, Kelly Rae. Kelly was in the midst of her “eclass,” “Flying lessons: Tips and Tricks to Help Your Creative Business Soar”… I WAS AT FULL ATTENTION!!! I immediately signed up for the class and a familiar nervous pain shot up my spine… I’m sure I’m not the only insecure mess in the art world, but it seems to completely cripple me when it rears its ugly head. That little devil on my shoulder whispers “You’re not an artist,” “You could never be a successful businesswoman”, and the popular “You can’t make a living creating.” That damn devil always ruins whatever confidence I have mustered up… Well, little guy, IT’S ENOUGH!! I’M AN ARTIST AND I CAN DO ANYTHING I PUT MY MIND TO!!! SO SHUT UP IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY!!!

I woke up the next morning feeling revived and positive!!! It’s time for a new day…

The Censor, The Garden, and Mary

Miss Suzi Blu has inspired me again!! Damn that woman!! :) If you haven't already gone to her ning network, please, I beg you, GO!!! (http://www.suziblu.ning.com/) There are so many workshops to fall in love with and they are sure to unleash the creative passion that you thought didn't exist. One of the newest FREE workshops is centered around a book called "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity" by Julia Cameron. The first chapter is about creating a sense of safety by acknowledging your inner critic (you Censor) and basically telling him to shut the heck up... he's the one who plants "Negative Nelly" thoughts in your head anytime you get a compliment. Have you ever really payed attention to children... they will compliment themselves with such conviction and without hesitation because they're free from self doubt (that negative crap we adults force feed ourselves). Go ahead, try saying something nice about yourself and just listen to your Censor weasel his way in... We don't need to hear any more from the peanut gallery, so could you kindly SHUT UP!!!... I still have to do my positive affirmation homework, but so far I'm loving this book...

On the gardening front... After all my stressing over my bulbs not sprouting I went out on my patio Saturday morning and found that two of my bulbs had indeed broken free (and a couple days later a couple more made their debut).... I tell you, I have never been so freakin' excited and I must have gone out to "check on them" about 20 times throughout the day just to bask in my success. I was all ready to dig them out and "force" them, but I guess all I needed was a little faith and patience. I was so inspired by my newly discovered green thumb that I went out and bought lavender and star jasmine plants and a bunch of herb seeds... and yes, I will sow them myself... that's right, Martha Stewart, there's a new girl in town... Watch out!!!

Some other good news... I have finally finished my commissioned piece for the The American Cancer Society. Her name is Mary and I am completely head over heels in love with her. All day Monday I painted away at this background... I lost count on how many layers I put down, but the end result is beautiful, I think, so it was all worth it. I couldn't bare to not have a remembrance of her, so I dropped her off at Sacramento Giclee this morning so I can have a print all to myself (and anyone else who loves her)... Her she is...

Seeing the sun through the clouds...

Lots of rain here is Sacramento... and I know we need it, but I'm such a sunny girl... love the feel of warm rays against my skin... it's amazing how a little sun can change your whole outlook on life...

There's good news... even though we've had rain 5 days this week, and it's hard to wake up when the pitter patter of the hard weather lulls you back to sleep, I noticed the tree outside my window has the beginnings of Spring... little buds of joy... be patient and see the sun through the clouds...