big strong girl designs

keep a little dream in your heart

2012-02-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

happy valentine's day

"Hold fast your dreams
Within your heart
Keep one still, secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And, sheltered so,
May thrive and grow
Where doubt and fear are not.
O keep a place apart,
Within your heart,
For little dreams to go."

louise driscoll

love is...

2012-02-07T10:47:00.001-05:00

LOVE IS.........all you need , really~

accordion book made with hot press watercolor paper,

re-purposed ribbon and buttons that my friend, (mindy) gave me,

stitched paper heart for cover, and decorative stitching along the edge.

my new journal (moleskine)....

notes on italy. this is my "dream board" in the form

of a journal! my dream of italy is getting closer to reality.

just to write about it and learn more makes it more real

for me. after my mom was diagnosed with recurring ovarian

cancer, the first question she asked her doctor was, "will i

have time to go to italy"? my heart sank as i sat in the chair

beside her. he shook his head and said no to her. her dream

was never going to happen. she was dying and we all knew it.

the determination to hold those tears inside was fierce for me.

i had to be strong for her, but my heart was broken into a thousand

pieces. the business of grieving is different for everyone...

spreading my mom's ashes in the salty creek behind my aunt ginny's

house on her birthday a few months after she died was one of the most

heart-wrenching things i've ever done. i couldn't bear the thought of

spreading them all.....i knew i needed to keep some of her ashes to take

to italy one day. so, here i am. the beginning of what will be my mom's

trip to italy. a promise i made that i have to keep.

at first, i was thinking that august would be a good

time to go, since that was her birthday month......but

everything i read about traveling there in august makes

me want to wait until spring.

so, maybe april???? my birthday month!!

my goal is next april, but i will see how it all unfolds......

"raise your words, not voice. it is rain that grows flowers,

not thunder." rumi

abstract drawing....lesson from misty's class...

notes on tuscany. my mom's favorite movie ever...."under the tuscan sun".

she knew every line! i will take her there~

MY ART JOURNAL....

a journal prompt from misty's class......

i am sad that this is the last week and have loved starting the new year with

her. always inspiring and a beautiful soul~

abstract painting.

another lesson from misty's class.....

different than anything i've ever done, i really didn't like this at all.

the phases it went through were pretty crazy! i wish i would have taken photos

of the process because the outcome is SO different from the beginning and middle, etc....

so, i had this thrown aside because i really don't love it. and my daughter comes in the

art room and goes on and on about how much she likes it....and that i should frame it....blah

blah, blah! i disagree, but it made me realize and remember that art lies in the eye of the

beholder. we each have our own taste in art and music and everything in between!

i love that she loves it. i don't, but now i will keep it, instead of painting over it~

thank you misty for all of the assignments that stretch us....and bring awareness and understanding

of art in all of it's forms~

you rock!

my love.

sitting on the billboard in hatteras just after "endless summer II" came out.

(i'm wondering how we climbed up there)!!!

and it was 18 years ago that we went there in my old volvo wagon, music wide open, windows down and surf boards and tent in tow. not knowing how life would unfold for us, but knowing for sure that we were

in love. not knowing at the time that we would marry the february after this photo was

taken....that we would have two beautiful daughters, and that we would still be in love

all these years later. xo

spread love

2012-02-01T13:22:00.002-05:00

hello february. i love you and all that you stand for!

thank you for starting off so warm and beautiful. the most perfect day to go to the beach and leave little messages for anyone to find. i can hardly believe it's 70 degrees! this is gonna be a great month. valentine's day...my dad's birthday.my friend's birthday, AND my anniversary. oh, how i love february~

"it is good to love many things, for therein lies strength,

and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done with love is well done."

- van gogh

i started my morning (after getting my girls to school).... with a walk on the beach. armed with my camera, my journal, a pencil and some red paint pens, i took off in search of some feathers, shells and unfortunately trash to pick up. after reading danielle's blog, i have wanted to make it priority to pick up even more trash than before and be acutely more aware of the problem that litter is on wrightsville beach. i was looking today more than before for cigarette butts and picked up over 25 in a short time. (wow)....a few bottle caps, some plastic, a straw, but mostly cigarette butts. after i posted the link to danielle's blog, the video and the petition, it occurred to me that some people may not like the idea of making rules about not smoking on the beach, or even that people blog about it. that some people aren't so nice to people who put it out there in such a big way that it makes some noise~ i'm not usually one to post anything other than my feelings, my art, my jewelry here....never politics or controversial issues. i've learned the hard way to keep certain things to myself. but here's what i believe. anyone who is offended by a video, blogpost or just the plain effort of another person trying to make a difference, no matter what that difference is, needs to get over it~ we all have our things. and if someone is trying to teach her children well, or make a difference at the beach she loves, then so be it. i imagine the ones that are upset are maybe the very ones who are part of the problem. (or people who just don't like rules).... i don't usually rant here (too much).....but i am sad that people can be mean to others who are only trying to make a positive difference in the world. so i say to YOU....whoever you are out there making a difference......whatever you believe in......MAKE NOISE....make a difference....keep trying....don't stop believing.....keep up the good work....and don't listen to negative people trying to stop you or shut you up. get out there and fight for what you believe in, and in the process...SPREAD LOVE. spread hope and your message...oh, and give yourself a big hug for being brave.

and to anyone who might be upset about a cigarette ban at the beach....hmmmmm.....read about the effects of toxins from cigarettes and what they do to the environment......and keep in mind that for years, people have had trash cans to throw trash in and some people just don't do it....they've screwed it up for the ones who do act responsibly. it's litter. it's not okay to litter. remember that cigarette butts are the number one littered item worldwide..... wrightsville beach also has certain times that it's okay to walk dogs on the beach....a leash law....(let your dog poop on the beach and man you will be in trouble)....this is no different than any of the other laws that have been put into place because people needed the rules.....

oh, i'm a serious color outside the lines kind of girl....maybe even a rebel....but sometimes rules have to be made~ :)

make a difference~

2012-01-30T10:25:00.002-05:00

"individually we are one drop,

and together we are the ocean"

~by the sea, by the sea...by the beautiful sea~

several years ago (maybe 12) i decided to go down to the beach and pick up cigarette butts.

i couldn't believe the amount of people that just threw their cigarette butts on the ground, in the sand, out a car window....

i spread the word and got a few people together and we met at the wrightsville beach police department and took off with our bags to collect butts. at the time i wasn't thinking about counting the amount we picked up, or documenting our progress; or even doing this weekly, monthly or regularly. i just knew that i wanted to get some litter off the beach and was astonished that all the people dropping those butts didn't consider it to be litter (or didn't care). since then i have picked up many butts off the beach, combed masonboro island for trash and been to many beach sweeps.

HERE is a woman and her family who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, starting a grass roots effort and spreading the word far and wide that we need to do something about this problem. please take a moment to watch this video, and to sign this petition. i don't know of a single soul who doesn't love the ocean and the beach and this involves all of us. so wherever you are, it would really help if you will sign the petition and spread this word, these links, and the spirit of helping our environment. together, we can all make a difference...we can all make a change.

have a beautiful day :)

getting ready for valentine's day~~~~~

2012-01-24T11:12:00.003-05:00

february. almost here.

the month that we celebrate LOVE~

i have a trunk show scheduled for february 11th and 12th

at PORTERS NECK YOGA AND SPA

here in wilmington, NC

please stop by if you are in the area.

here's a sneak peek at some of the pieces i've been working on~

"all you need is love"

copper heart, beautiful gem stone and antique key

on sterling chunky chain.

"your soul is rooting for you"

dragonfly wing rolled on sterling silver, hand stamped with quote

on beaded silk cord.

"i carry your heart with me'

copper charm on beaded silk cord.

copper on sterling chain.

"i carry your heart"

copper with antique key on sterling chain.

rumi quote on copper cuff....has a dragonfly wing rolled onto it.

gift from the sea...with hand wrapped stone on leather cord.

assortment of sterling charms.

have a beautiful day~ it's sunny and warm here. :)

studio love~

2012-01-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

THIS is my studio mascot, "RIO".....

he keeps me company pretty much wherever i go and he was

taking a little nap today as i was rearranging and cleaning up in the art space~

his pillow, "love"...was made by me and my mom years ago when i was home sick

from school one day. i think i was about 11 years old.....she was awesome like that.

besides being completely inspired by misty mawn and loving the class and assignments...i have been

equally inspired and obsessed with getting my space more cozy and organized. (as organized as i can be anyway....;)

so, i've been listening to some good tunes...and going a little crazy in the studio~

i've been working on journal prompts from misty's class...and also a bit of the pottery assignments.

the drawing (which i will not share at the moment) is not my strong point...although i'm trying to be a good student and do the assignments anyway:)...

one of the perks i guess of doing the class online is that i don't have to say the dog ate my charcoal drawing.....i can just not do it yet and that's okay~

i want to, i really do...it's just that i know i'm not that good at it, and then i get all those murky water feelings and start to doubt myself....am i really an artist.....yada yada.....blah...blah...blah.....

so, instead, i have poured myself into the fun parts and am saving the real work for just a little later.

journal prompt from misty...."open studio"

another journal prompt....

paper clay dish using bits of nature for stamps...

my art studio

something about moving things around...makes me want to make something!!

i found this old bed cover that was my mom's and used it to hide this open space....

the quilt was made by my grandma and gifted to me last Christmas by my dad. xo

my mom's old roll top desk...perfect place for journals and ephemera

i LOVE really using it/ as opposed to just keeping the glass doors closed

with things i don't really use in there.

the perfect stand for the glitter....AND i found that cute little funnel

at the flea market last week. love it~

i love being surrounded with my favorite things. sometimes they are tiny, but hugely important/

sentimental (to me).....this little bag is from suzanne...a.k.a. sperlygirl. knowing i (dream) of going to italy

one day, she sent me the most lovely package with bits and pieces of inspiration from italy. this, i love.

when someone hears what you say, and sends you such a thoughtful gift.....i'm still dreaming of italy...and still thankful

to suzanne. for sharing...for being thoughtful...and for her beautiful blog~

"make art".....

inspiration.....(thanks g.)

works in progress.....

"i am a vessel, traveling through time. trying so hard to stay on course.

the wind is usually on my side, but sometimes causes me to sway off course.

it's okay, because i'm really good at paddling...

my heart is my compass, and it leads me exactly where i need to go.

sometimes i just float for a while, and sometimes my memory gets me stranded.

everything is good. i'm okay with it all. even the murky waters. i have to swim harder sometimes.

nostalgia sets in.

i crave yesterday.

moments and memories that i can never ever have again.

sweet summer nights, lightning bugs all around.

dinners on the porch.

my mom.

love,

love.

yearning for yesterday is all i can do.

it will never be the same.

so i have today.

and i have a million lovely blessings in my life.

filled with tiny lessons. and big lessons.

i still fly.

i still swim.

i still paddle.

float, swim, paddle."

k.b.

in memory~

2012-01-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

remembering john stevens

january 19, 1993 john stevens passed away at age 34...leaving behind his beautiful wife, libby and his 3 beautiful children. john was one of those guys that everyone loved and he had this larger than life personality. in addition to being a really good surfer, he was well known in the construction industry and

could be seen around the beach with his little son, ross in a backpack while hammering nails, ~ he was pretty darn cool, handsome and witty, and to this day is missed and still cherished by his family and friends. i'm blessed to have had his family in my life all these years and am thankful for them all~

i am here.....

2012-01-15T20:14:00.003-05:00

taking it all in....

misty mawn's online class is filled with so much information and beautiful art....lessons and assignments...journal prompts..good music...photos..even recipes! i knew it would be awesome, and it is~

one of the most fascinating things to me is how misty starts off a painting or a drawing, and the stages it goes through before the beautiful end result. so i've been thinking that life is a lot like a painting. we go through so many different stages and sometimes they aren't all pretty. there are parts and times where we can see what is about to unfold....and then all of a sudden it changes and we might find ourselves in a completely different place and going a different direction than we thought we would be. as the painting unfolds and reveals itself, it is so often completely different than what we imagined it would look like. such is life. and that's the best thing about it i guess.....we never really know what we are doing and how it's all gonna turn out~ all i can hope is that in the end it will be as beautiful and full as the art i love.

journal page from prompt in misty's class...

and...

a writing prompt ...

"I AM HERE"

hopeful.

filled with peace.

aware that i am a lucky one.

trying new things and remembering to just be me.

authentic.

feeling pressure~but only from myself.

loving winter and craving spring.

in love.

and in awe.

scared.

remembering to cherish all good moments.

to store them in the shadows of my soul

so i can go back to them as needed.

on fire with ambition~

with dreams~

with creativity.

soaking it in while it's here.

trying not to fear and not to worry.

my heart worries sometimes.

too much loss left me wounded

and my heart raw on one side.

healing .

enjoying the warmth of coffee and flames from the fire.

awaiting all good things.

cherishing~

i am here

CELEBRATE

my baby (oldest baby)...just turned 15..(that's her on the left)....which i can hardly even believe~

we celebrated her birthday here with friends and family

and my house was filled with laughter.

it was a beautiful night~

LOVE

photo taken by lacie beller

and my sweet big boy~.....so funny and cute....and a little stubborn.

but i just love him to pieces.

"...imagine,

despite your unbearable faults and fissures,you are still

a thing of beauty,a rare creature, a snowflake,a singular,

spectacular atom circumnavigating the tangled

astronomyof your life the only way you know how. "

maya stein

2011-12-31T08:56:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year

wishing you all much happiness and joy.

reflecting

2011-12-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

reflecting on the year behind us (almost).....and cherishing what lies ahead~

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

the year has floated by once again and i find myself reflecting on the many events that have occurred. life lessons were abundant this year....(as with every year, i suppose). i am constantly learning to be more grateful and to be more patient.....with myself mostly, but also with others. the lessons are often humbling and that's okay too. i believe that we learn more about ourselves when we are humbled.

friendships change. some friends are made by nature and circumstances, some by chance.....others are just plain soulful and stronger than superglue. some friendships evolve and some are meant to dissolve. this is okay....i truly believe that we are put with certain people when we or they need it the most. things aren't meant to go smoothly all the time and the friendships that are the strongest will rise and fall with the tide and the love will be stronger than the ocean's waves. of all the lessons, it is the realization that family is of so much importance that it really doesn't matter what any of the petty concerns and criticisms are. although we are all so different~ we have the strongest bond imaginable and no matter what, we will be there for each other always. i am thankful for my sweet family and all of my friends old and new.

~be here now~

we were blessed in many ways this year....we have this new awesome member of our family....my 1000 pound boyfriend "beau". to love a horse is to love your soul just a little more. they teach us so much and their strength and beauty is so massive and beyond words that it's haunting at times.

as always, when a year ends, i start thinking "did i do enough"..."did i make enough?"......"was i creative enough?".....so what better way to start off the new year than to take a class with misty mawn!!! she is soulful and creative and i love her teaching style. if you want to join in on the fun...go here and sign up~ anyone who has taken her classes before knows that it will be the most awesome way possible to start off the new year. i got on the class site last night and already feel transformed creatively.....i know it sounds corny, but it's true. misty has this way of pulling you in and she shares so much of herself and her knowledge that you feel like you've known her forever. in addition, she really is the best teacher ever. gentle, kind and compassionate....it's like she's rooting for you to be successful as an artist. inspiration is all over the place on her class site and i can hardly wait for january 9th to roll around~~~
thanks misty for all you put into your classes and for sharing yourself and your art with us once again~

me and misty at art and soul 2011

my word for this new year is "cherish".....i thought about it and have many more words that will do, but this one seems to suit me well at the moment. cherishing memories, friends, family, and all of life's lessons....i will focus for sure on the beautiful moments and the many blessings we have, and cherish them all~

~happy new year everyone~

~make art, love life, stay healthy, and glow from within~

peace~

2011-12-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

wishing you all a peaceful day filled with joy and love

(photo taken by lacie beller)

the gifts are many and the joys are abundant here today. looking around, i am feeling so blessed ...with family,...friends (so many really good friends)....and my beautiful horse...my two dogs and my two cats.

everyone is pretty laid back at the moment and the house is quiet. the excitement from this morning wore off earlier and we are all enjoying the relaxing evening.

i'm thinking about anyone out there who might be lonely or sad this Christmas. all of the heroes in the military...spending the day without family, and their families without them. anyone who has lost someone recently, or even not so recently. i know from experience how hard the holidays are after loss. the absence of my mom is still haunting and hard to believe even after a few years. and what about those who have lost their job....maybe lost there home? my heart goes out to all who might be struggling in any way this season. i hope that everyone has found a way to be helpful and loving to someone who needs it. pay it forward, leave a small gift for someone without them knowing who it's from. share food...donate money to charities...leave a love note or painted rock for someone.....there are so many ways to give a simple gift or act of kindness and hopefully we will all make time to do that all year round. wishing you all many blessings and healing where needed and most of all lots of love.

~~~~ merry Christmas~~~~

simple

2011-12-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

when i decorated the mantle yesterday morning, it made me think of this song....

i love how it turned out and it was so simple...i took mason jar's a friend gave me and tied them with sand dollars and star fish using twine. i added a little sand from the beach and a votive candle, threw in some shells and a few sprigs from the Christmas tree around the jars and it's perfect~ (and free)!!

PHOTOS HAVE BEEN REMOVED DUE TO TECH PROBLEM~~ sorry :)

Simple Gifts

'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right

giving thanks

2011-11-22T09:08:00.000-05:00

this is the only photo i have of my mom on her last thanksgiving.

how i wish this day could be here again. that i could help her with all of the cooking, hear her lovely laugh and her calming voice. she was grace and love. and she spread it wherever she went, and to whoever she had the chance to get to know.

so, as we approach thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season, i am overwhelmed with thanks and appreciation. for the many memories i have of my sweet mom who left us all way to soon, and for the new memories that i'm creating here with my girls and family and friends. so much happens and we sometimes take for granted the gifts of friendships and of people we love. and although we all go through life with trials and tribulations, in the end, family is the most important thing we have.

wishing everyone out there a beautiful thanksgiving and the chance to embrace all of the blessings and each family member or friend in a special way.

because we never know when the time will come that we won't have that chance again.

PHOTO REMOVED DUE TO TECH PROBLEM...(sorry )

the way it was~

2011-11-02T16:37:00.000-04:00

fireflies in mason jars on summer nights.....to light the way for walks around the neighborhood after supper

2 channels on t.v. that we hardly ever watched

the beverly hillbillies and gilligan's isle

8 track tapes and turn tables

honey bees and honey to sell at the local IGA at grandma lu's

fishing with dad late at night because the tide was just right

eating raw oysters and not worrying about getting sick

riding bikes all over the neighborhood and parents not even the least bit worried about where you were....

as long as you're back by supper time

yes ma'am and no sir

a pop in the mouth for talking rude or dis respectful.....so it hardly ever happened

trail rides with friends for hours....bare back and no boundaries

phones that plugged in to the wall for goodness sakes

vinyl swivel dining room chairs

the carpenters and johnny cash

hand-me-downs was the lottery

patches on all the clothes i owned and happy for it

2 pairs of shoes....1 for play and 1 for church

family dinners every night

chicken and stars for lunch and potted meat sandwiches for camping trips

always something to do and never bored

grandparents were just as much family as mom and dad

black labs and beagle puppies

making jewelry with telephone wire

macrame hanging baskets

the price is right

dad in his recliner every night for the evening news

the biggest and best ever climbing trees everywhere

mud puddles and ditches

metal gliders and lanterns on the porch

simple holidays with more memories than i can shake a stick at

swimming pools and playing in aunt ginny's make-up and closet

magic potions

striking matches and being scared to death of getting caught

the love of a wacky family and knowing nothing different or better

dang i miss those days.........

the face of autumn

2011-11-01T07:46:00.000-04:00

it's like the sound of a memory. when autumn rolls around i am so ready for it. the crisp cool weather, it seems so clean and reminds me of so many things....it's my melancholy time of year. reflecting on the summer fun, but glad it's cooling off and we're moving on. remembering the last thanksgiving my sweet mama was here and so thankful that our whole family got together to be with her. her contagious and gentle smile. it's like a whole bunch of memories come flooding in....so many, it's hard to remember them all. i've always loved this season as it has so much to offer and comes around just in time. a time to renew and remember. my soul is laughing out loud and i am so grateful, blessed and renewed.

we just got back from the mountains and it was amazing. (as it is every time i've ever been)......this is the morning view from our cabin, before the sun came up and gave the most magnificent light to the valley and all of the mountains. the colors on the leaves were still beautiful and many of the memories have left an imprint on my heart already.

i was telling my girls that i hope the hour long wait in a line to eat at the dan'l boone inn will be a memory that they will want to tell one day. we didn't know that there was a college game and that it would be bumper to bumper and packed in boone that day. after some fun shopping and walking around downtown in the light snow, drooling over at least a dozen pairs of boots at the western shop, we decided to go eat at the dan'l boone inn. i ate there about 25 years ago and just couldn't wait to get there. they bring you a salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing the minute you sit down....followed by a full on country style meal (the kind my grandma used to make every sunday) and they keep the bowls coming until you are so full that you almost have to waddle out. i can still remember sitting there so long ago with my friends. the lazy susan filled with bowls full of southern home cooking and the hike afterwards. it's amazing, the gift of a memory.

happy autumn~xo

learning~

2011-10-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

it doesn't matter what you know, where you come from or who you're with. ... there's always more to learn. we are learning something new every single day with beau. he's the best horse and has so much of a gentle spirit it's almost hard to bear. he's just full of love. our whole family is in love with him for real! so, just when i think i've (sort-of) figured out where i'm going and what i'm doing...we get a horse. everyday he teaches us something. and everyday when i feel like maybe i should be making art or making a new piece of jewelry, i would rather be right out there with him, soaking up the peaceful beauty that being on a farm has to offer. there's nothing like a 1000 pound animal trotting up to you to say hello. we all feel so blessed to be in his presence and learning him as we go. horses are good for the soul. ~

"the happy heart runs with the river, floats on the air, lifts to the music,

soars with the eagle, hopes with the prayer."

Maya Angelou

meet beau ~

2011-10-12T06:30:00.000-04:00

"BEAU"

this is beau. a very sweet and beautiful appaloosa. (i know, no spots)!!

i met him last friday and have ever since been waiting to hear

if we could get him. i took him out on a trail ride and he's a dream.

i fell in love and have been "chomping at the bit" all weekend.

about 2 months ago, my oldest daughter came to me and had to have

serious talk. she asked me to please not say anything and to just think

about what she has to say. but DON'T give her an answer yet! Well,

she gave a fine speech about how she has been investigating the cost and

the facts of "owning" a horse. AND unbeknownst to me, she had already

saved almost $500.00 to put toward a horse. so, here's the thing.....you don't

have to talk me into it. i've wanted a horse since i was about 8 years old.

i just couldn't understand why we couldn't turn my dad's garden into a horse

pasture.....none of his reasons to not get a horse made sense to me! i was

lucky enough to have friends with more than one horse and i always had

a horse to ride. i wouldn't take anything for the memories i have of me and

my girlfriends riding all over the place on horses. even swimming in the inracoastal

waterway with them! we had a blast.

so when my babe comes to me with her speech about getting a horse of our own,

i told her all we need to do is get your dad on board and we can do it! i wish i

had a photo of the presentation poster that she and her sister made to help their

case, but i don't. let's just say it was VERY convincing, filled with every photo of

every horse we've ever been around....and with facts about cost and owning, etc.

i have to tell you they really did their research and made a very strong case

for why they wanted a horse so bad.

my man took one look at me, then at them and said....."sure, we can get a horse"....

so, the hunt began!

we are already in love.

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man"

Winston Churchill

all is calm~

2011-10-10T14:36:00.000-04:00

"it is only when we silence the blaring of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts." k.t.jong

my daddy

one of my art journaling students gave me some really old books and i've altered the cover and the inside with fun collage. it's so freeing to just tear and modpodge in any fashion, no rules or plan....just play!

the pages in the journals aren't complete with writing or scribble yet, but ready for me to add pen to paper when i'm inspired to go there. :)

here are some of my latest journaling pages ....

i've been unintentionally drawn to old family photos

and craving the traditions that we had when my mom

was here. the memories are priceless though and we

now have started our own little quirky traditions. in the

past i've resisted being TOO traditional; ( we never know

what might come up....) but now my girls are getting older

and i'm getting a little more sentimental about them having

some precious memories of family traditions like i've been

gifted with.

i am hoping to have some very wonderful news tomorrow and the waiting is just about to EAT ME ALIVE! i will tell all tomorrow if it happens...and it has nothing to do with art or jewelry.

so, if i've sparked your interest, check back tomorrow or as soon as you can and i'll share my news!

today~

2011-10-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

today i will have no regrets

i will love and cherish the beautiful moments that happened today

i will remember and be thankful for times with my mother

i will be strong and brave

and also maybe a little weak

but that's okay too.

today i will live in the moment and not dwell on any of the moments

i will watch the sun set and hope for a rainbow

then i saw a rainbow for real....

i will remember that all moments pass quickly

and i had better be here for them

one hundred percent be HERE

i will be the best me i can be

and i'll know that everyone else is doing the same

we are all one

we are all in this together

and we all have our days

i will be thankful for the blessings i'm surrounded with

i will know every moment that i am love and am loved

and i am thankful for each and every one of you

nature trails, spoil islands and upcoming art adventure~

2011-10-03T21:24:00.000-04:00

HAPPY

~AUTUMN~

saturday was the perfect day. we took the family out to poplar grove plantation

and walked the nature trails there.

we all had such a good time, walking....running...laughing and exploring.

the dogs were completely worn out when we got home... they napped the rest of the afternoon.

sunday was just as gorgeous .....perfect surf and great day for a boat ride. we went exploring up the waterway and found a great camping spot for this weekend. this is my favorite time of year to go camping.....great for campfires and a little evening paddle in the kayaks. we are all anxiously waiting for friday so we can go check it out~

the views here are better than any waterfront house that i know of. i joked with my husband that maybe we could fit an airstream camper up in there........but instead, we will pack up the kids, dogs, tents, marshmallows and firewood and head over friday for a night of camping and adventure. there are trails to walk on, trees to climb, marsh to paddle through, and stories to be told by the campfire. thanks to my dad, i have had a love for camping my whole life. i was lucky enough to grow up here and to have experienced many a camping trip when i was younger. the days of vienna sausage sandwiches and spam are long gone, but the memories are permanently engrained and are being passed along to my girls. i am seriously just as excited as they are about going this weekend.

the island is covered with live oaks and wax myrtles

once again, everyone was exhausted on the boat ride home!

well, thanks to misty mawn and her wonderful online class that i took with her,

my work is in somerset studio magazine.

she did a great story about online classes, and included is some of the work from her students!! i am thrilled to be included here and am especially proud of the piece submitted more for the sentimental and symbolic value than the piece itself. many of the students submitted there beautiful work for this article. i hope you have a chance to check it out!

"flight lessons"

there is a small photo of my mom when she was young in the left of the piece and the butterfly wing up top is one that i found at airlie gardens. entitled "flight lessons", it's all about trusting the journey that i've been on since the loss of my mom three years ago. it really makes me happy to see her sweet face on the pages of a magazine. thanks misty for making it happen xo

coming in NOVEMBER is No Boundaries, International Art Colony, co-founded by my friend,

PAM TOLL. i am really excited to go back for the second year and enjoy a couple of days with artists from around the world. i'll be cooking for the artists one night, and will have the opportunity to create in a diverse setting. can't wait to share more about this really awesome experience.

"live with intention"

lemonade stands and teddy bears

2011-09-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

my girls and their girls.....enjoying a lazy day in the hammock.

when i took this photo last week i had no idea what we were in for over the next few days.

thursday night my oldest daughter complained of a bad stomach ache. i told her we would keep

an eye on it and hopefully she would feel better soon. by 4 in the morning on friday she was doubled over and we were headed to the e.r. after a series of tests and c.t. scans, we were told she needs emergency surgery to remove her appendix. i had a feeling that's what it was. thankfully the surgery went well and we are now home and in recovery mode. it's was such a helpless feeling knowing there was nothing i could do to make her feel better and to see her in so much pain. the friends that we are blessed with helped us in so many ways. a couple of her friends got together and had a lemonade stand to raise money to buy her a big teddy bear. when they showed up with it yesterday, i could hardly believe how big it was!!

we were so touched by their gesture, and we are so thankful to all of our friends who have been there for us through it all.

we are blessed and thankful ~

the joys of summer~

2011-07-24T11:08:00.000-04:00

OUTDOOR SHOWERS, ROAD TRIPS AND BEACH TIME WITH GOOD FRIENDS

there's nothing like taking an outdoor shower on a hot july summer morning.

the sound of the birds chirping and playing, the morning sun beaming through the massive oak trees and the pure fresh air....i just love taking showers outside. my man built this awesome shower for us. using an old door that we've had sitting in the shed for a few years and some hard work and lots of sweat..the finished product is just perfect..................

the shower that lenny built.......

~crossing over the emerald isle bridge~

last week we went to atlantic beach to meet friends there. they were on their family vacation and we were able to spend a few days with them. the drive from wilmington to atlantic beach is only about 2 hours, so my girls and i took a little road trip! the weather was perfect and the company was even better.

good friends~

YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i had never met my friend, laura's family before and they all welcomed us with open arms. we enjoyed beach time together, shell seeking and shopping and at the end of the day, perfect summer dinners.

the last night we were there, laura's sister cooked up the best meal.....truly the definition of summer! fresh shrimp, corn on the cob, tomato pie, fresh buttered bread and of course....key lime pie for desert!

the laughter at the table was contagious and the stories were priceless! it was really special to be among such a big, fun, and loving family~

THANK YOU BETH! .......

i would like to thank beth (do what you love for life) for sharing my story on her beautiful blog.

we all have a story to tell....and beth does a wonderful job of sharing the stories of many .....whether you already are doing what you love, or know what you want to do, she shares your journey with others. her stories are inspiring and soulful.

making time for art in the heat of the summer~

a little something i just finished up....."me and you under the stars".

(plaster and wire sculpture)

about my heart

2011-07-05T13:35:00.000-04:00

photos have been removed from this post due to tech problem :(

"about my heart...

open.

closed.

sad.

happy.

in love.

out of love.

for real.

filled.

empty.

confused.

consumed.

peaceful.

loved.

in flight.

followed."

"your heart is your compass.....follow it"

yes, i'm trying to follow my heart, wherever it goes. sometimes things get all fuzzy and make me dizzy......i lose focus and my sense of direction, then all of a sudden i'm back on track again~

my journals, my jewelry, my art.....it's all about following your heart. (my heart)......it keeps coming up over and over, this heart thing. so, here it is...me, following my heart~

"me and you under the stars"

when the going gets tough....i make something! i've said so many times...."art saves me"! if i can get my hands dirty, or hammer a piece of metal, or make a mess with a little paint, i can get through the rough patches. as awesome as this little life of mine is....there can be challenges and bumps that make me crazy sometimes!! so, i break out the plaster, the paint, or the hammer, and make something that makes me happy as i swim through the muddy waters. art gets me through~

i'm a little obsessed with making books these days......and this little baby is made with plaster gauze. i've yet to glue the canvas binding, but when it's finished it will be filled with my favorite quotes. the shell on the front is made from a mold of a shell that i found in costa rica. i love the texture of the plaster and how it accepts the paint and i love how chunky the book is.

more hearts.....

i've been working on new jewels for my etsy shop and for ARTFUL LIVING , a quaint little artsy spot in the heart of carolina beach.

and.......i just found this today....my new favorite blog......this girl has it going on in the video department. i just love her style, music and images in her videos. it's an inspiring little place to visit if you get a moment to peek!

"be forever grateful for the memories that are kept in the depths of your heart-

for this will keep you going when the flame is only a flicker and

the darkness is approaching the soul.

the memories will light the way"

for j.h. from me~

my moleskine journal....i love this technique .

oh, and happy july~ beautiful, hot, steamy, july.

enjoy.

and listen to this.

about june~

2011-06-30T09:02:00.000-04:00

photos removed from this post due to tech problems....

i can hardly believe june has flown by.....always a busy month with school getting out and summer here in full force~

i was in manteo for a little while teaching a "play-shop" and seeing some friends. what a sweet little town to visit!

in the midst of teaching and visiting and playing in manteo, i had got to do some art journaling too.

one thing i've known, but continue to learn on an even deeper level is that art saves me. no matter where i am and what the circumstances, i can always whip out my art journal and get it out in some fashion.

sometimes, flying is the hardest part......

there's been a big mess in my little studio this month too.....i've been playing along with stephanie lee and judy wise in their plaster studio workshop. what fun!! i remember making things with plaster when i was younger, but i didn't have the full appreciation for art in all its forms then. i think i just did some hand prints and that's about it! thanks to stephanie and judy, i've found new uses for plaster and have another creative outlet for myself!! (a little dangerous, yes....but so much fun)~

my little boat, before paint......

after paint.....but still not finished.

i love the rough and raw texture of plaster and i love how it feels to get your hands in it!

i found a purple starfish once, here at wrightsville beach.....it was so pretty.....

i wanted to make one to keep forever. it's not the same as the one on the beach that i saw but didn't take because it was still alive and vibrant with life and color, but i like it! i still have a little painting to do, but this is it for now.

my friend jen called me last weekend and told me about a yard sale she found where 4 artists were selling their stuff.....

of course i jumped in the truck (my man came along too) and we were off to see what we could find.

it turned out that the 4 girls were friends of mine and they had all kinds of goodies that i couldn't resist!!

i found this sign for $5. and love it! i've seen these at NOFO (a favorite gift shop) for $45.

i also found lots of paints, papers, a fold out 6 foot long table, some yarn, stamps and hole punches.....but i love the sign the best!! it's hanging in my kitchen so everyone knows the deal here..."be nice, or leave"

;)

i will be teaching another "play-shop" here in wilmington with melissa manley sat. july 16th....9-5

"book-making journey" at heART space. we're doing this here in my apartment/studio.

making a book with a copper etched stamp and also hand carving a stamp to use again and again.

we will teach lots of journaling/collage/photo techniques to use and will have plenty of time to create a unique and beautiful book together.

cost of play-shop is $95. and includes all supplies, lunch, snack and inspiration~

call for more info. or to sign up...910-231-5576

and this is our new baby...."rio"~

he loves sunflowers too!!

i think i'm in love with plaster~

2011-06-02T21:08:00.000-04:00

it's getting a little crazy around here!......
i just got my copy of plaster studio because i signed up for judy wise and stephanie lee's plaster workshop. their book came in the mail just after i got my copy of misty mawn's new book, unfurling. so, of course i have been an art/plaster/book-making/journaling/painting/sketching junkie and have hardly had time to get anything else done. (taking girls to school and a little time for surfing). i've been knee deep in plaster and can't put my journals down......ideas are swirling in my head, even in the middle of the night! it's a great feeling to have the creative flow flowing. sometimes the well is dry and there's nothing. but now it's flowing like a waterfall. i can't stop myself~ AND i'm getting ready for the "book-making journey" workshop that i will be teaching in manteo with melissa manley on
june 18th. inspiration is everywhere. i'm so grateful to you misty, and you judy, and you stephanie for sharing your knowledge and inspiring people everywhere to create and find joy through art. you are all amazing~

i think i'm in love with plaster.

this is the cover to the book i'm making with plaster. i can see why judy and stephanie go on and on about it and now i totally get the obsession with plaster.

i made a smaller square book cover too.......

i've yet to put them together and haven't done the encaustic layer yet, but was so excited that i wanted to share. i've been obsessed with book-making lately and this is just one more medium to add to the mix!

________________________________________________________________________________

the surf has been so much fun and the water feels great.

i have been loving getting in the water with my girls. the month of may can be a little

tough at times.....the anniversary of my mom dying. but we get through with love and laughter,

a big serving of memories, good times in the water and an unbelievable gratitude for family and friends.

AND birthdays!!

fresh key limes for my friend libby's key lime birthday pie.

hagan did the lime squeezing....lots of them!

AND she made the graham cracker crust.

YUMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY.....

extra butter and crumbs and lime zest on top!

hagan loves birthdays as much as i do....and as i was finishing up the painting for libby, i got

a little side tracked and the pie dripped in the oven, the center fell and the

house started to smell like smoke.

but i really liked how the collage turned out!!

all in all it was a perfect day and the pie tasted good....even thought it looked pretty bad. (i should have taken a picture....)

bittersweet that may has come and gone, but i welcome june with open arms!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________

the memories keep me afloat.

too many to share.

too much to tell.

it's all in my heart.

that's good enough.

sacred.

peaceful.

beautiful.

memories are worth more than anyone can know.

never alone.

i will always have memories.

brenda kay croom

august 23, 1944- may21, 2008

_________________________________________________________________________________

stay open~

2011-05-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

~me and misty at art and soul~

YES, i asked her to sign my book.........

i have to admit that i wondered if it was cheezy to ask for an autograph....(i've never been one to ask for autographs). but she IS one of my all time favorite artists and i just did it!

of course misty is so gracious and wrote a little note on the front with no hesitation. AND she didn't mind my friend (paparazzi) taking a few photos either. this was my first art retreat AND my first time ever leaving my girls for more than one night at a time........(they are 12 and 14). how lucky i am to have had the opportunity to take a class with misty. i already felt pretty spoiled taking an on-line course with her, which was amazing by the way! but meeting her in person was fabulous. i love that she is so generous and sharing with her gift and that she is so genuine and unpretentious. her workshop left me inspired and open to create from the heart and to trust myself and embrace where i am as an artist.

that's what this is about.....staying open. i think that sometimes we get caught up in where someone else with their art ....what they're doing and where they're teaching.....etc. that we lose sight of our own accomplishments. sometimes it's hard not to compare, or not to question ourselves or to think that we're not good enough as artists, so we shouldn't put it out there. thanks to misty and her encouragement both in her on-line class "stretching within" and her class at art and soul, i have moved on from the negative thoughts that sometimes clutter my brain. this is such a good feeling. from now on i will stay open to saying YES. to making it happen and knowing that i am on the path i'm supposed to be on. my journey is uniquely my own and i will embrace each part of it. i love this community and all of the artists that share their stories, their art, photos....heart and soul. this is where i want to be and i'm happy to have finally arrived in this place of no fear and staying open to all the possibilities.......

your heart is your compass......follow it~

embracing the sweet memories

2011-05-22T20:07:00.000-04:00

yesterday. ... 3 years since my mom died. it doesn't seem like 3 years. it seems like yesterday.

it was beautiful. i spent the day at the ocean with my family and friends.

the sky was vibrant and lovely.

the waves were so much fun. we surfed all morning.

we played and laughed and had a

perfect day. the memories are sweet and i am loving on the memories. this is what keeps

me going. sweet memories and my beautiful family.

"i have a million memories of you, whispering to be seen when i need them the most. they are all tucked safely inside my heart and they will be there forever. i lost you dear soul, but you live on in me and in my daughters. they know you still and know you that you will always love them. this bond that you created will never be broken. meet me by the sea, i will wait for you there, i will feel you when the wind blows and the waves roll gently to the shore. i know that you are always near."

teaching in manteo, nc!!

2011-05-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

teaching in manteo, nc

saturday, june 18

at "GOOD FOR YOU"

on Sir Walter Raleigh St.

My friend Melissa Manley (master metal-smith, mixed media artist) and i will be teaming up to teach a diverse "play-shop" in downtown Manteo, june 18. "GOOD FOR YOU" is in the heart of downtown Manteo by the waterfront and is filled with unique gifts, and a great vibe. Yoga, belly-dancing and massage are offered, as well as art classes and group meetings. We will be together all day (9-5) with lunch included, to play and create. Melissa and I will teach various demos through-out the day to keep your creativity sparked!

"book-making journey".......

You will learn to create a copper etched plate using your very own hand-carved stamp to embellish your book with. We will take you step-by-step through the book-making process and show you a plethora of collage, art-journaling and image altering techniques to add to your journal. After a full day of creating and learning new techniques, you will go home with a one-of-a-kind art-journal and a hand carved stamp, a beautifully unique, hand-made journal all your own, and a few goodies to play with at home.

the cost of this "play-shop"

$125.00

(includes supplies, lunch and goodies to take home)

pre-registration required

space is limited so call early!!

call Kim @ 910-231-5576

checks payable to Kim Beller

inspired by the sea

2011-04-13T08:27:00.000-04:00

to the ocean i love,

thank you for always being there.

i can come to you any time and feel better.

you lift me up.

i truly am grateful to you. you are beautiful, powerful and gentle.

i say prayers for you when i am with you. when i am in the presence of

your beauty, i pray that we (all of us) take care of you.

you gift us every day with your graceful waves and the endless motion.

i come to you for fun and i come to you when i'm sad.

you are always there no matter what.

you bring me inspiration and remind me how blessed i am to be here.

thank you for always being the constant in my life.

i promise to always treat you with kindness and respect.

you are love~

ART AND SOUL ~anticipation~

2011-04-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

YAY for art workshops!!!

i can't believe it's almost here~ art and soul is right around the corner. i signed up months ago....the minute i saw that misty mawn was teaching! i loved her on-line "stretching within" course and can't wait to take a class with her in person. my friend melissa manley (metalsmith artist) is riding with me and will take misty's class with me. while she's teaching her classes i will also take a class with jesse reno and l.k. ludwig. it's so exciting to finally meet them all in person!

next week is spring break and i'm headed to ocracoke with my girls for a few days and then to art and soul the following weekend.

i've been working in my studio on some new pieces and have new items in my etsy shop. hoping that this burst of energy will hang around for a while!

have a great, creative week. :)

~grace is a gift~

2011-04-10T18:58:00.000-04:00

me and ellie

i'm back~

when i'm away for too long, i start to ramble.

a week ago a beautiful father and son were riding their bikes on river road and were hit by a drunk driver at 9:30 in the morning.

the dad, (ronald doolittle) died at the scene and the son,

(trey doolittle)was in critical condition and died the next day. i didn't know them personally. i had only seen them around the beach....they were surfers too. my niece and other teenagers in my life knew trey. he was 17 years old and a senior in high school. it's amazing what an impact this has had on our community and how someone you don't even know can be so heavy on your heart. of course, being a mom, my heart goes out to his mom and i can't stop thinking about what she must be going through. when things like this happen it touches so many people in so many different ways, but the one thing i think it does to everyone is to remind us of how blessed we are.....to be grateful for each moment...and that we never know when our time will come.

yesterday there was a paddle out for the two of them. it was a beautiful way to honor and remember them.

just before paddling out and getting in a circle, the surfers put on their leashes and

grabbed a flower to toss in the ocean. they all paddled out, said a few words and then rode some waves in honor of two people that will never be forgotten.

grace is a gift....

bye for now

~art saves me~

2011-03-28T08:49:00.000-04:00

art has been a huge force in my life for many years. growing up, i was blessed with a mom who loved doing art with me and always had a project of some sort going on. my dad took me clamming and fishing, camping and exploring all over the spoil islands. my love for art and nature was set in place long ago.
over the years my artwork has evolved in many ways, but has always been a sort of therapy for me. i can get so lost in art.....so much happens and comes out when i'm journaling or painting, although i never really have a plan.

i will be hosting another art journaling / collage "play-shop"

on saturday, may 14 at porter's neck yoga in wilmington, nc...

come play with us if you're in the area~

"sending love, hope and prayers to japan"

"take risks and magic will happen...you will find your way in the world

when you let go and listen to your heart"

this piece is on watercolor paper and made for my best friend.

i added a little window over the words to complete it.

the person by the tree is my mom when she was young.

"look into the window of your soul, your wings will take you

wherever you need to go"

wishing you all a beautiful week full of art and love~

first camping trip of the year~

2011-03-26T18:06:00.000-04:00

sunrise this morning at masonboro island

one of the best things my parents ever did was take me camping.

i'm hoping that one day my girls will look back on all of our camping trips and be

as appreciative as i am that we were able to just hop in the boat and go camping whenever

we feel like it! the weather was perfect for me to take them and 4 of their friends over

to the island last night. after we set up the tents everyone took off to explore and be free, and i

got the campfire going. it was SO peaceful and beautiful. a light wind, chill in the air and a sky

full of stars while we all sat around the fire was unforgettable.

~oh to be this free all the time~

......this is love

"EMERGING" art journaling/collage playshop

2011-03-07T12:47:00.000-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY!

i will be teaching a "play-shop" this weekend at soil to soul. (oleander drive in the progressive gardens building). no experience needed to come and play! just a little desire to be creative and have fun. we will learn some cool techniques to apply to our art journals or individual pieces of art and collage. i'll have lots of fun materials to play with.

saturday , march 12 at 1:00-4:00

$15.00 registration fee and a love donation is appreciated

bring your journal (anything you can paint in) and

personal photos, love notes, or any elements you want to use.....

the sky is the limit~

call me if you are interested or want more information. 910-231-5576

oh, and we (me and the man) just celebrated our 16th anniversary this past weekend!! yay us.

my very cool gift.........

a little boat, just for me (heart)

it's an old rebuilt jon dory with a little 25 johnson tiller drive , and i love it~ ........

can't wait to go clamming, surfing,

fishing, camping, and exploring when it gets a little warmer~

AND my baby turned 12......which i can hardly believe~ she was just a teeny little sweetie seems like yesterday.....then i blinked. we had a great weekend filled with lots of girls in and out and a great little family gathering yesterday. a perfect little ending to the weekend of celebrating !

~wishing you all a creative week~

featured artist AND the winner is......

2011-02-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

the inspiration and support that has grown from taking misty's class goes beyond words. there is so much i've gained from this experience. one of the many best things is the support and friendships, the sharing and relating to so much of what we ALL experience as an artist. i love how artists support each other and share so much of their heart and soul with people around them. this month is the beginning of something new here on my blog........the "featured artist" this month is marcia cline of the outer banks. she is a friend who i admire and i love her work. marcia teaches yoga, has two beautiful children and paints from the heart on the outer banks. she breaks out the paints and the easel from the back of her jeep and sets up wherever she finds inspiration. her paintings are colorful and vivid and reflect the simplicity and beauty of living in the outer banks. i feel so lucky to have two of her paintings. PLEASE visit her

website HERE to see more of her work. she's one of a kind and beautiful inside and out~

i chose marcia because i love her work. i love her as a person. and we are visiting there this weekend and hoping to see her while i'm there. please stay in touch to see who the next featured artist is......it might be YOU!

me, laura, marcia and her son, garnette

on okracoke

.......the winner of my first giveaway

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

oh, i love this day.

i woke up this morning to a sweet note that my man left for me on the bathroom counter.

simple. sweet and kind.

we had a few friends over last night for sushi and it ended with a delicious chocolate cake,

dancing, lots of laughter, and other goodies that friends brought over.....so much fun.

oh, the drawing for the necklace!!

so, lacie drew a name this morning before we left for school....

and the winner..... is.......

congratulations kristin!

i just need your address and i'll get it in the mail to YOU~

i carry your heart with me

by e.e. cummings

i carry your heart with me

(i carry it in my heart)

i am never without it

(anywhere i go, you go my dear;

and whatever is done by me is your doing, my darling).

i fear no fate

(for you are my fate, my sweet)

i want no world

(for beautiful, you are my world, my true).

and you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you:

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life, which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart

(i carry it in my heart).

valentine's day GIVEAWAY ~sterling wing~

2011-02-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

as misty's class comes to an end, my mind is whirling with all of the amazing things i've learned, new friends i've met and inspiration i've gotten from this experience. "stretching within"..... i can't think of a better way to start the year. thank you misty for all that you have put into this workshop. this was my first online workshop and it was incredible. i am grateful for the community of friends and artists that i've connected with during this time and for all that you have done to make it happen. thanks to all of you who have shared your art, stories, words and friendship during misty's class. i have loved the journey :)

anyone who would like to be included in my giveaway, just leave a comment here and i will draw a name on the morning of february 14th.

big strong girl designs give away......

~butterfly wing rolled on sterling silver~

this little wing was found at airlie gardens here in wilmington, nc. and rolled in my rolling mill on sterling silver. i love how a wing can be transformed into a piece of jewelry that will last forever.

the art of raising daughters

2011-02-07T18:16:00.000-05:00

today, i came across a piece of paper sitting by my printer that my 11 year old left there. it was her language arts assignment. i read it. and i sat watching the rain outside. and i thought about this beautiful little girl that i am honored to call my daughter. she is an old soul. she get's it. i know how special and wonderful she is. i see it in her every day. i think about my mom and how much i miss her. how so much of who she was is who lacie is. she's blessed with compassion and patience. love and forgiveness. i hope and pray that she never loses sight of who she is. of her dreams and her passion. she is lovely and i am overwhelmed with admiration for her. here's her poem......

lacie...

kind,

funny,

unique,

wishes to live in the sea.

dreams of stopping war everywhere,

wants to help the homeless,

who wonders how animals feel.

who fears of roaches.

who is afraid of kidnappers.

who likes to hang out with friends.

who believes in God.

who loves to play sports.

who loves warm cookies with milk.

who loves friends and family.

who loves mexican food.

who plans to be a marine biologist.

who plans to live with little regrets.

who plans to live a happy life.

whose final destination is heaven.

art journaling...

2011-02-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

"the sweetest gift of all...

my family"

"instructions for living a life. pay attention. be astonished. tell about it."

mary oliver

the month of love~

2011-02-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

journal page. february 2, 2011

listen

"my heart has something to say-do you hear it?

i can shout if you need me to or i can whisper and hope

that you will still hear me even after all these years."

happy anniversary~

~being~

2011-01-31T20:56:00.000-05:00

being~ sunday afternoon, jan. 30

yesterday. beautiful. adventure.

lucky me and my man and my best friend.....

we took a little boat ride over to one of the spoil islands behind masonboro and got a taste of the good life~

besides the beautiful landscape, bright blue sky, an osprey nest, soft grass to nap in and the sun beaming down, we found some of the best climbing trees ever~ this little gem is just what we all needed to get a taste of spring and remind us just how blessed we are....(just in case we forgot). if i ever run away from home, this is where i will run to. just for a little while~

right here. there's no need to travel too far searching for a beautiful place, or for an adventure to nurture the soul. we are surrounded by beauty and nature and awesome friends.

"earth teach me"

"earth teach me stillness

as the grasses are stilled with light.

earth teach me suffering

as old stones suffer with memory.

earth teach me caring

as a mother secures her young.

earth teach me courage,

as the tree which stands alone.

earth teach me limitation

as the ant which crawls on the ground.

earth teach me freedom

as the eagle which soars in the sky.

earth teach me resignation

as the leaves which die in the fall.

earth teach me regeneration

as the seed which rises in the spring.

earth teach me to forget myself

as melted snow forgets its life.

earth teach me to remember kindness

as the dry fields weep in the rain."

by rupert lang

~craving spring~

2011-01-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

i am craving sunny days and walks on the beach. and long paddles in the marsh. fresh vegetables from the garden. sipping coffee on the porch. adventures on the nature trails. boat rides to the spoil islands. camping on masonboro island. warm days and chilly nights. the smell of the spring air. the buds that emerge and give new signs of hope. road trips to the outer banks with the windows wide open and the music turned up. the hint of sunshine on my face. watching my girls rest in the sweet smelling grass. getting my feet wet in the ocean. and walking barefoot in the sand. opening all the windows.

AND i am craving this.....that i just signed up for. both of these women inspire me. i love that they love to share their knowledge and spirit with others. won't you join me~

flight lessons~

2011-01-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

learning to fly and trusting the journey. that is where i am today.

i found this old photo of my mom (adorable) when she was a little girl. how sweet she was....even up until the day she died. she was too young to go. but she left me with so much goodness and love. i adore her. all of my collages have a piece of her somewhere. the photo and a torn piece of her journal make this one special to me. she loved roosters....so of course i had to add one :)

"once upon a time you were mine. the sweetest of them all. the lessons you taught me are lived every day. the love you shared is in me and for that i am grateful to you forever. you are in my heart every minute of each day. if the sun comes up-i think about you. when the moon shines bright, i dream of you. you are me and i am with you. we always will be joined by love and compassion. you are my guiding grace and my angel. you save me from drowning in grief. i am thankful for the memories and the love and the lessons and for you...my mother. my friend.

i adore you"

going where my heart is.....

2011-01-25T10:55:00.000-05:00

i have this little dream~ in my heart. i hold it close to me and don't talk about it too much. it is MY dream. my promise. my plan. it is planted deep in me. waiting to emerge like a seed buried deep beneath layers of snow. waiting to sprout and blossom into the unknown. i will go there. i will take her with me. until then i will dream. i will keep it alive in my heart. and in my artwork. i will keep my intention strong and alive. it will emerge when it is time. only i will know~ when it is time.

collage for misty's class~ "purpose"

going where my heart is

"i will spread your ashes like stardust~

your will see it like you always wanted to and drink in the tuscan sun

and under the moon you will paint the murals and sing the songs

you were meant to~

you live on in every day in all the beautiful sites i see

you are and always were the beautiful one~"

comfort ~

2011-01-19T17:54:00.000-05:00

i AM the

glow from the full moon

rising over the ocean

sharing a reflection for all to see the soft ripples

of the sea~

giving light to the crashing wave

as it heads to the shoreline

lighting the way for the lost and lonely soul

sailing alone

finding their way home~

my sweet baby....(11) was home today with the stomach virus that i had a few days ago. oh, what a sad thing it is for me to see her so sick and not be able to do anything for her to make it go away..... one thing i do know is that when i'm sick like that, i want my mom.....it made me miss her even more a few days ago. there's a certain comfort that only a mom can give when we are sick. i remember it well. so today, i am grateful that i could be there for mine to rub her back and sit with her on the bathroom floor with wet rag in hand for her sweaty forehead and neck. now, she is resting quietly in my bed and on the mend after a long, grueling day....knowing that i will always be there for her when she needs me.

still life acrylic painting on cold press watercolor paper

~when magic happens~

2011-01-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

thank you for sharing your magic with me s. girl~
today, you made my dream a little more real......
you gave me inspiration to truly make this happen....
not to just talk about it and dream about it.
you gave me little bits and pieces of italy that i will treasure.
you gave me a smile on my face when my husband came in with the
package from you.
you made me believe in the kindness of people i don't really know, but want to know.
in magic. in putting it out there and it happening.
you gave me gratitude. wonder. imagining. and the desire to follow my dream.
thank you from all of my heart. your kindness is appreciated. it will go a long way.

when my sweet mom was diagnosed with recurring ovarian cancer 3 years ago, the first thing she asked
the doctor was, "will i have time to go to tuscany". sadly, he said no. i sat in shock and pure sadness and disbelief as i watched her trying to stay brave and strong. the heart wrenching battle that she fought the next few months was tragic. but even more so, knowing she could never go to the place she dreamed of going. she new every line to the movie "under the tuscan sun". she had so many things she wanted to see there. she died in may of 2008. august 23rd.(her birthday) we spread her ashes by my aunt ginny's house in the creek. i kept a small jar of her ashes knowing that i would carry her to italy one day.
today, i received a package from a friend i met through and on-line class and her blog. of course when i saw that she lived in italy, i commented that i had to go there one day and a quick line about my mom.
this is where the magic starts. she read my comment, asked me for my address and lovingly put a package together for me with some bits and pieces from italy. a lovely card, beautiful soap in a hand made cloth bag with sea shells tied to it. yummy candies that i am trying not to devour!! a photo of the leaning tower for my inspiration board and a tea bag. i am truly humbled by the generosity and thoughtfulness behind all of this.
so. my word for the year as some of you may have read is "purpose". i know what that is. i know where i need to go and what to do. thank you s. for helping me stay inspired. for keeping my little dream glowing inside. you are awesome :)

~strength~

2011-01-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

"in our human spirit, we are so fragile~ yet strong

enough to endure the darkest hours and wake up again in awe

of the precious miracles that surround us"

june 7, 2009

today, i am thinking of all the people in australia~flood victims losing

homes and loved ones. their community forever changed.

haiti. still after a year. grasping for normalcy.

the victims of a senseless and selfish act of crime in arizona. lost.

i am sending love and light to all that struggle. no matter what that struggle

is. everyone is worthy of love. forgiveness. prayers.

remember. YOU are brave. and strong. and worthy.

~exactly~

2011-01-13T11:49:00.000-05:00

dear kim,

you are exactly where you are supposed to be~

try not to judge yourself or you work~

be as good to yourself as you are to you family and friends~

take your time and enjoy this journey~

you have come so far and been through loss that is hard to understand~

be gentle with yourself and remember that fear blocks faith~

let go of your fears and let your heart shine~

you are living your dream~

grow strong and just be you~

you are enough~

love, kim

this journey is amazing. today, i will enjoy the ride. i will be easy on myself. i will forgive myself for anything i need to. i will continue to grow and keep working on my dreams and goals. i will see how much i am blessed beyond belief. i will love me like i do others~

i will listen to this over and over~

wanna play along?? go out there and show the world who you are.

learning to fly....

2011-01-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

day 2. art class with misty. i'm already feeling so inspired and like wow....there is so much to learn in this world of art. if ever you have thought about taking an on-line class....she's amazing~

still life...."my tools"

tomorrow is yet another day that my kids will be out of school and i have to say that usually i'm so excited when schools out, but with this class and all the great assignments....not so glad! i have so much work that i want to do~ and my girls art getting stir crazy!!

still working on faces.....

tomorrow i will keep practicing on drawing..... and i have to get some "real" work done too!

soon, i will have a collection of my pieces at a sweet little spot down at carolina beach. "artful living group" in the heart of the town is dedicated to bringing art and creativity to the area. i will have my jewelry there as well as maybe a workshop on art journaling. it's gonna be great place to visit and shop local for art and jewelry as well as some great workshops and art shows.........grand opening in march. more info. to come~

"i have a tattoo on my heart"

it is my mom's last laugh

her contagious smile

her sweet spirit

her patience

her love for my girls

her art

her voice

her spontaneity

her old photos

her hair

her perfume

her toes

her life

brenda kay croom

august 23, 1944- may 21, 2008

~snowy day~

2011-01-10T20:03:00.000-05:00

last night when we got the call saying "no school" today, we all thought there was no way we would get snow....it hardly ever snows here and after all we just got a little dusting the day after Christmas....what were the chances?!

after a good bit of playing in the snow and some nice warm coffee....i had plenty of time to start on some of the assignments for misty's class~

no school again tomorrow......

"she decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language and birds fluttered around her, writing

"yes" in the sky."

monique duval

surprise party's and poetry....

2011-01-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

i can hardly believe that i pulled off a surprise party for my 14 year old~

it worked like a charm and i got more joy from the planning and excitement than

i ever thought possible! she thought her grandma and aunt and 2 cousins were coming for dinner~

but after a long day of cooking, decorating and calling her girlfriends it was much more than that.....

it was a wonderful night that filled our house with laughter and stories and the making of memories...

a night that i hope she will always remember~

YOU

you are capable of letting go....

of trying new things

without me by your side

but i will never leave you

i will love you forever

through all of the storms

and when the rainbow comes out

and stretches across heaven

you are part of me ~

you will always be in my heart and soul

even when you stretch your wings and fly

you are still part of me and always and forever my love

may 25, 2009

new journal pages.....

"a finder of serenity"

~blessed~

~in with the new~

2011-01-01T18:18:00.000-05:00

~bring it on 2011~
yes, today has been an awesome start to the new year~ last year wasn't so bad, but i'm ready for new....for adventure....art classes....and inspiration~ i will paint my own corner and love it. i am ready to embrace what 2011 has to offer.

wow! i have found some awesome blogs lately...(in my spare time). this one i LOVE.....and especially the video "your corner"~ you might have to scroll down to find it, but trust me, it's worth it! this was a great reminder for me and a challenge that i am ready to take on! it goes right along with my word for the year..."purpose".
i started off the new year making art and enjoying time with my teenage daughter who was making a card for a friend. today was a joy in many ways~

i have been finding and collecting the supplies for misty's class, and i gathered up some of my mom's old paintbrushes and put them in one of her favorite glass jars (it belonged to her grandma) to use for this special occasion. (i'm sure she's in heaven smiling right now)~

counting down the days until january 10~ can't wait.

another one of my new favorite blogs is sperlygirl. i love the color here. she is in one of my favorite places that i have never been to. and i simply must go there. it will happen because i made a promise to my mother to make it happen....so it will be. .....one day~

and another......new favorite....for when you have time~

for inspiration and poetry, i would take a visit to sweetest in the gale ....one of my favorites is road trip.

as you can see, i have a lot of new favorites...too many to share at one time! more to come though~

i have a surprise party to get ready for!! i LOVE surprises~ my daughter turns 14 on monday.... she will have a really great surprise tomorrow with a handful of her best girlfriends....a delicious spaghetti dinner, breadsticks, fresh salad and some really yummy cupcakes! YAY....

her sister is making her birthday card at the moment.

during the night

during the night i fell asleep by the sea

when i woke, i danced in the moonlight

and realized that the ocean was full of tears.

glimmering in the sand was a heart shaped shell.

it was for me~with a message.

a very quiet message that all would be well with my soul.

the sun began to rise

and i knelt to pray.

jan. 6, 2009

~purpose....this is my word for the new year~

2010-12-29T10:39:00.000-05:00

¹pur·pose

noun \ˈpər-pəs\

Definition of PURPOSE

a : something set up as an object or end to be attained :intentionb : resolution, determination

: a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution

— on purpose

: by intent : intentionally

my word for the year...purpose~

i was listening to an interview with jesse reno last night and something he said really resonated with me. his intense yet free spirit and approach to painting and living as an artist really appeals to me. he knows his purpose and he makes it happen. he's committed and has learned through trial and error how to get the results he wants. basically, he just sounds like an incredible guy and i love his passion for life and art. lucky me, i get to take a class with him in april at art and soul. after i signed up for his class his name has popped up time and time again! it's so cool how that works. i was flipping through the latest somerset studio magazine at barnes and noble and there he was....full spread and an awesome interview ....him and his art. i was on the art and soul web-site and there he was again....interview on art and soul radio. his blog is pretty cool too! of course i had to check that out.

each of us has a purpose and sometimes we lose sight of what that purpose is. staying focused, living with intention, cultivating good things, knowing boundaries and seeking balance.....the word purpose encompasses all of this for me. 2010 was a great year. a lot of ups and a few downs....but overall really great. i have learned (even more) about letting go and about what is right for me and my family. boundaries and losses continue to be a part of the journey and i am okay with it~ friendships change and are re-defined, the babies start to fly out of the nest, we begin to live the lessons and really get it....clarity is a beautiful thing but sometimes hard to understand and grasp. the gift of life is extraordinary and the gift of TRUE friendship just as extraordinary. family is this amazing, unexplainable and necessary blessing. grieving gets a little different and somewhat easier although i can't imagine ever a day going by that i don't think about my beautiful mother and the battle she fought before dying at age 62 in may of 2008. the memories are a gift~ priceless.

i am looking forward to the journey that 2011 brings. starting with my gift to ME on january 10. then on to art and soul for more of misty mawn, jesse reno and l.k.ludwig! what a great combination!! along the way, i will keep my purpose in mind and in heart~also, as always i will start off the new year by reading the four agreements.

wishing you all a happy new year~ filled with peace, love, PURPOSE and lots of ART~

Comes The Dawn

Author: Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye you learn.

new art space~

2010-12-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

the day after Christmas......
*my husband's birthday :)
*time to rearrange the art space
*make birthday card
*make chicken chili
*make birthday cake
*make ART

i hope everyone had a merry day yesterday. wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy
new year~filled with peace and many blessings.

i am super inspired by all the really cool spaces that my "classmates" are posting.
after a few different arrangements, i have finally put it all together in the front room
of my house. my studio....for metalsmith work is now combined with all of my art supplies.
i've tried just pulling out the supplies and working at the kitchen table. .....(not so bad, but it has to
be cleaned up every time someone is coming for dinner!) and i tried setting up at my mom's apartment.....
too sad. she passed away in 2008 and lived here with us during her illness...so the apartment attached to our house will remain empty. it was too sad going up there and i never got anywhere with my art...other than dark and sad .....so i had to change that!

NOW, today, i have moved everything in one space with my metalsmith studio and i think it will work out great.

after i got it all put together, i couldn't wait to get out my paints and brushes and work in my art journal.
a few months ago i bought some printmaking supplies so i could make my own stamp. it's been on the shelf and i finally got it out today so i could make my husband a one-of-a-kind birthday card.

my first hand-carved stamp!!

and the birthday card....before i wrote on it~

i am so happy to have all my art in one space.....it feels cozy and i'm inspired. i cannot wait for misty's class to begin~

reflecting

2010-12-23T19:59:00.000-05:00

it's impossible to list every awesome moment from 2010...but as i'm thinking about this year coming to a close and reflecting on the many events this year, i thought of a very special camping trip. we went with our good friends on Easter weekend. it was just perfect. the sky, the shells, the campfire and conversation, we even brought along Easter eggs to put out in the dunes the next morning for the kids (although none of them still believe in the Easter bunny!!) it was a beautiful time, but so ordinary. something that we do often and maybe take for granted sometimes.

it's interesting when a year is about to end....hopefully we are compelled to think about the good, the not so good, and the changes we wish to make in the coming year!

more of this.................

~camping on masonboro island - Easter weekend~

i just read a good post here about the time we waste either watching t.v. or spending time on the computer......VERY thought provoking. i'm not one to watch a lot of t.v. in fact, i always tell my husband and my girls that if it wasn't for them, i wouldn't even have one. it's true. i really don't care. the computer has recently pulled me in though! i'm not saying i'm always on....but it's so hard with all the awesome blogs out there....voodoo cafe being one!!. now that i'm signed up for misty's class, i'm meeting all kinds of awesome peeps and of course i HAVE to look at their blogs. AND i get side-tracked really easy. rice has a good point though.....spending time looking around at everyone's art sometimes keeps ME from making art. there are certain things i have to get done.....the obvious~being a wife, a mom.... making dinner, doing chores, driving here and there, making jewelry orders and getting ready for shows....these are things i have to do. but art outside of the "have to do" hasn't been happening lately. maybe this is due to spending too much time looking around at all the awesome blogs out there! anyway, in 2011 i will enjoy misty's class....and make lots of art~ along with the every day have to do list. (which i mostly love)...and hopefully spend less time on the computer while still checking in on my favorite blogs. :)
i have been thinking also about my word for the year. (hard to choose just one) .....so i'm still pondering.

maybe balance??

~art show friday~

2010-12-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

"waves in the sky"

i love it when you look UP and see clouds that look like waves.....

so had to pull over and take this!

otherwise, i've been busy making jewelry and getting ready for the art show friday night

at the king neptune at wrightsville beach. a group of local artists are getting together to raise money for A.L.S. and spread a little holiday cheer! i'm super excited to be a part of this awesome event.

here's a little peek at what i've been working on........

it is freezing here....colder than we are used to. it's been an awesome time to hunker down in the studio .

hoping everyone is warm and merry and listening to some good music......

now i have to get back to work .

~blessed~

~rain, rain, don't go away~

2010-12-13T09:38:00.000-05:00

God Just Came Near

one

in need of LOVE

can sit with my verse for an hour

And then walk away

without carrying

golden tools

and feeling that

God just came near~

Hafiz

photo by Lacie Beller (11).....after the rain

rain, rain, stay.....don't go away.

this was the perfect weekend to get things done. i have been

working away in my studio, getting ready for a show this friday night.

it rained all weekend and there was no pressure at all to go outside and play.

so i've been inside, watching old Christmas movies with my girls by the fire....baking pumpkin,

white chocolate chip cookies, making chili and working on these......

etched and stamped copper bowls

i love these! perfect for holding your favorite trinkets and jewels........

these are just a few of the things i've been working on for friday.

(last minute shopping and holiday cheer with local artists at the king neptune.....

live music by mike adams and fundraising for A.L.S.)

been listening to travis and amy and enjoying the lovely serenity of raindrops and wind outside my window.

~paying attention~

2010-12-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

pay attention to what you are drawn to.

this is interesting (to me).....because at any given moment, that can change for me. today, i am drawn to my newest journal and adding to it....lately, i have been drawn to trees. ...tree of life....tree pose in yoga class....the trees that i see everyday and everywhere. losing leaves. some still colorful. some look so cold. some are dying. the thing is that most of them will be beautiful and vibrant in the spring. they will come back to life. i just love this about trees. but i like the winter too. the transition they take on in the cold months is beautiful to me. they look so strong, yet vulnerable at the same time. kind of like me.....a dreamer with wings.

"when you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." RUMI

so today i will pay attention to what i am drawn to and play in my journal at home by the fire and listen to this.

journal entry~nov. 20 something....

2010-12-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

i am in love with the ocean and the light of the moon. the waves are whispering sweet secrets and telling stories only the waves can tell-traveling for miles and miles- there's no telling what they have seen. one can only imagine as they float over the bed of the sea....crash on the shore after so many hours of traveling. but they never die. with them they bring so many gifts. the tumbled conchs and the moon snails with their perfect swirly centers. the delicate sand dollar. how does this miracle happen. they are so delicate~ yet can endure the power of being washed ashore by the strongest, most powerful waves. the wave must be gentle in it's own way. nurturing the fragile beings as they journey to the shore. even the broken pieces are beautiful. they tell a story... the doves are gone-they flew away with the ocean breeze. sand has blown into the crevices where they once lived. these broken pieces are essential-the stories, the pain, all of it makes it more beautiful. there are so many gifts that the sea offers....the angel's wings. how could we both have found one at the same moment in time? so many things we can't explain. the sea glass on my birthday-the pile of shells last Christmas. i know she is here. planning these surprises. here for me to find and feel her spirit. is it so unbelievable? i will say no. the ocean. the fireflies. the hummingbird. the angel wings. the sound resonating from my guitar strings.....lonely in the corner. then silence. silence to remember. all the memories flood in like a tidal wave. it's overwhelming, strange, surreal. how can she be gone.....really gone? i hear her at night in my dreams. so real. thankful for the memories. thankful for strength, all the lessons. hard lessons. moving on. healing. grieving. evolving. what will we become? the process, the journey is beautiful in so many ways. even the hard parts. the lessons are there so it's worthwhile. the need for family ties is strong-but with it comes acceptance that things aren't what we want them to be always. this, i am beginning to learn, is okay. it's an ebb and flow. just like the sea.
and now i will listen to this

back in the blog world....

2010-12-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

for some strange reason, i decided to come back to the blog world during the busiest (supposedly) season there is! i'm sure there are a number of things that i could be doing right now besides creating another blog.....but after a couple of years away and lots of growing, grieving (the loss of my mom) and evolving....i decided to come on back! hopefully some of the folks that found me before, will find me again.

i am inspired immensely by a recent trip to bald head island for the "art with no boundaries" week. i went over on the ferry with my friend to visit our friend shannon and some other artists. after spending the day meeting and watching different artists from around the world create in this beautiful place, i came home transformed. i couldn't stop painting and writing in my journal....making jewelry and reeling with ideas. still, a few weeks later, i am overflowing with creativity. it feels good to be in this space of creating and thirsting for more. so much so, that i just signed up for this workshop in january and art and soul in april!! taking class with misty mawn~ l.k.ludwig~ and jesse reno. my friend (and teacher), melissa and i are riding together....can't wait!

big strong girl designs

keep a little dream in your heart

love is...

spread love

make a difference~

getting ready for valentine's day~~~~~

studio love~

in memory~

i am here.....

reflecting

peace~

simple

giving thanks

the way it was~

the face of autumn

learning~

meet beau ~

all is calm~

today~

nature trails, spoil islands and upcoming art adventure~

lemonade stands and teddy bears

the joys of summer~

about my heart

about june~

i think i'm in love with plaster~

stay open~

embracing the sweet memories

teaching in manteo, nc!!

inspired by the sea

ART AND SOUL ~anticipation~

~grace is a gift~

~art saves me~

first camping trip of the year~

"EMERGING" art journaling/collage playshop

featured artist AND the winner is......

valentine's day GIVEAWAY ~sterling wing~

the art of raising daughters

art journaling...

the month of love~

~being~

~craving spring~

flight lessons~

going where my heart is.....

comfort ~

~when magic happens~

~strength~

~exactly~

learning to fly....

~snowy day~

surprise party's and poetry....

~in with the new~

~purpose....this is my word for the new year~

1pur·pose

Definition of PURPOSE

new art space~

reflecting

~art show friday~

~rain, rain, don't go away~

~paying attention~

journal entry~nov. 20 something....

back in the blog world....

¹pur·pose