Unlock and Burst Through

I've been creating these stars as I manifest prayers and blessings for a very dear friend of mine who went into the hospital over the holidays.   So I apologize for not having new content to kick off 2017...

It was a rough weekend.  Emotions ran high; it was stressful.  It's almost like I could have written the following blog today, but this a throwback to 2012.  My daughter is grown up now, my mom older, I'm older... but the same self-talk rears its ugly head from time to time.  Funny how we continue to have the same struggles pop up over the years.  I hope this will encourage you to unlock and burst through moments like these.

"Today, I finished this art journal page, which is very inspired by the amazing e-class I am taking, Bloom True.  It says, "I will unlock, burst through or shatter the containers I have made with my mind."  I don't know if it's a little depression from closing the lake house or the transition into the school year and all the "to dos" that are cropping up, but I have had a very negative soundtrack running in my head.  It goes something like this:

• I'm a bad mother - I am often irritable and critical of Samy (my 11 year old).   I don't bake, do crafts with her, and so much of the time I just "vant to be alone," to quote Greta Garbo.   Is it horrible that what I really want to do is spend time alone painting?
• I'm a bad daughter - I am so often short-tempered with my mom.  I don't cut her any slack at all.  I feel bad about that, because really -- we're so much alike (which is probably why...)
• I'm a bad friend - I forget birthdays.  I don't stay in touch or reach out enough.  Is it horrible that what I really want to do is spend time alone painting?
• I'm not a "real" artist.  So much of my work is commercial - I don't trust my process, my intuition, my materials.  I'm not original...

Wow - just writing and re-reading this makes me gag a little!  When do I feel best?  When I am actively engaged in helping others -- like in our volunteer work in Guatemala, or when I am lost in my artwork.  Clearly, to be indulging in all this self-criticism, I have too much time on my hands.   ENOUGH!  As my friend Marcie would say, get out and walk the dog!  Burst through this container of self doubt and judgment and find some joy in nature!

Two good quotes for today:

"Life does not accommodate you.  It shatters you.  It is meant to, and it couldn't do it better.  Every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition." (from ThinkExist.com -- no attribution)

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."  Peter Marshall

Question:  Do you have a negative soundtrack?  How do you turn it off once it starts playing?

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

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How I Find Angels and Two Video Tutorials

Before I get on with this post, I have an exciting announcement.  


I am the designer for this month's Stencil Club stencils.  Hop over to Stencil Girl Talk for the big reveal!! 













Do you ever use your art to work out your feelings about the world?

In and Out of the World, featuring the Medieval Leaves Stencil

Many of my art journal spreads, tags and paintings contain angels.

I don't always start off painting an angel, but one often appears when I am feeling particularly moved by a situation in the world.

It's my subconscious way of sending a prayer to refugees, victims of floods and earthquakes, or the people living in a state of constant terror and turmoil in Syria.

These are two paintings I recently completed.

They are both on 8 x 8" cradled wood board and are $145, including shipping anywhere in the world.  Just message me if you'd like one.  UPDATE: Four Angels is sold as of 9:58 AM! 

Four Angels, featuring the Paisley Flower Motif Stencil and the 9/16 Stencil Club Stencils

I filmed some of my process to show you one of the ways I work.  

I divided the video into two parts - creating the background, and manifesting the angels.

Here's Part I:

You can also watch How to Build Up a Collage Background on YouTube here.  

Here's Part II:

You can also watch Manifesting Angels on YouTube.

And don't forget to hop over to Stencil Girl Talk for the big reveal of this month's stencils!! 

         Visit Stencil Girl Products and RubberMoon Stamps to see all my designs!

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:

InLinkz.com

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.