Who Are You Not To Be Fabulous?

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson. 

I first heard these words in a yoga class in 1998.  These beautiful words gave me permission to fully embrace my gifts and talents, which I had long tried to keep "small" for fear that others wouldn't like me.  I have since learned that true friends are also the truest champions.  It is one of the greatest joys in life to be cheerleaders for one another.

 

I had already started a journal page based on this quote, but hadn't known what to do with the border.  The Diva's challenge, to use the new zentangle "Auraknot", provided the answer.  Inspired by Try it on Tuesday's Bingo Card challenge, I made her using lace to stencil the little blue dots next to the jewels/bling, several background papers, flowers, and of course butterflies.  I love this lady!  I feel like she has emerged out of a magical mist.  Her color inspiration is from Summer of Color week 5, which is based on the ice cream flavor Wild n' Reckless.   She's also going to visit Paint Party Friday and Inspire Me Monday.

While we were away last week, my younger daughter Samy and I had several conversations about group dynamics, both in our summer community and in school.  Eleven is a tough age for girls... I created this picture with the the message I hope she took away from our conversations...

 Last but not least, here are a few vacation pics:

Samy and two of my nieces taking in the sun!

 

My dad reading from the Declaration of Independence at our July 4th parade:

My beautiful girls:

Thank you for visiting! If you are so moved, please leave a comment. Hearing from you means the world to me.