relax.

american culture is so consumed with a fast-paced life. go-go-go until you can’t go anymore. we place unreal expectations on ourselves & those around us to be up to par, but where does this get us? it gets us full of anxiety & worry.
it is okay to relax. take a walk. draw. paint. watch a movie. lay in the hammock. read a book. journal. take a run. play guitar. chat with some friends on the porch. take pictures. journal. get a massage. give a massage. sit in the garden. stare at the stars. cry. laugh. love. enjoy each moment…


two, little artists at work!


the wee one drawing.


my hubs fueling the inspiration with some guitar. <3


my feet & art!

*** a big shout out to vanessa [my massage therapist] for aiding in my relaxation today! =) follow her on pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/vjmoyers/ ***
well, I’m off to shovel cow poo! the things that make me giddy! haha. have a most excellent week, friends.

art.

I love being inspired by fellow artists. today, we’ll look at one of my inspiration corners & also check out my latest piece…

newest piece of art in our collection! “the wheel” by sunshine b. lewis! [http://www.sunshinebarlowe.com/ , http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunblewis?ref=pr_shop_more] this is an 8X8 piece on canvas. I love the layers & colors!

wings art tile by stacey merrill, ArtSnark [http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtSnark?ref=ss_profile, http://http://ArtSnark.blogspot.com]

“temptation” [woman in poppies] by trine stasica, ManicAttackArt. [http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManicAttackArt, http://www.facebook.com/ManicAttackArt]

& now for my latest piece::: “dyslexie.”

I used papers, ink, oil pastels, wax… I love how art is my therapy & helps me process my emotions. she is for sale here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97447695/dyslexie-original-art-free-shipping-in

thanks for stopping by & taking a peek into the studio!=)

home.

it’s monday & that means we are all at home. our favorite place to relax & just be.

the little girls have a playhouse where they make delicious mud concoctions…

this is where they spend 90% of their time. [what do you think of the paint job?!? =)]

while they were making pies & I was making this birch wood hanging…

brian was serenading us on his guitar.

living creatively is how we roll!=)

warmth.

today it snowed in the desert. cold, yet so beautiful! I love the gray sky, the tree branches, dark against it.

today has provided the perfect atmosphere for baking & cooking. we have baked…

nutella oreo cheesecake bars [& cooked a pot of stew].

on the art front, I have been very inspired by my girls, who leave their messy, watercolor crayons laying about.

& for those who don’t know, I recently got married [after being a widow for the past 2 years], to this incredible man, brian. he makes me laugh everyday, makes me think deep & encourages & supports me. we are so in love, it’s ridiculous!=)

I will leave you with my recent youtube, art journal video. may this coming week be filled with peace & love.

girls.

sometimes I forget I have twins… I know this is strange, but I do! I see my two 8 year olds as individuals! when people ask if they are identical, I think I give a blank stare. yes, they are, but they are so unique, each lovely, little girls. one loves orange, the other pink. one laughs gleefully & so free, the other worries about things only adults should worry about!=) they both love art & creating [hmmm, wonder where they get that from?], & playing outside. beautiful tomboys…

once we were eating at a restaurant with my mom & I felt like everyone was staring. I said, “why are people staring at us?” the 8 year olds go, “they’re probably wondering if we’re twins.” my 5 year old said, “no, they’re looking at me!” when we’re out & about I feel like the freak show! you might even hear me mutter, “welcome to the freak show!” =)

just wanted to share a little moment with you...

saltwater.

I absolutely LOVE this piece of art/quote & wanted to share it with you! it is by mae chevrette…

you can purchase this print at http://www.etsy.com/listing/76774565/holiday-sale-the-cure-for-anything-is?ref=pr_shop

be sure to check her other pieces out as well!!! ♥

sometimes.

 

sometimes we wonder why we’ve gone through hurts, why we now carry scars, why life has been so hard… sometimes we do not feel adequate to have blessings bestowed upon us, & pride shuts us down…

in these moments of wonderings & not feeling adequate, I reflect… I think if I hadn’t gone through all of this pain & bear my scars for the world to see, that I wouldn’t understand grace & peace & forgiveness & love. I wouldn’t have compassion & empathy for others who walk through the same places I have been. I wouldn’t understand…

sometimes I feel bitter & hardened. but then this blinding light floods my soul & I know I’m still alive & receptive to Love. there is hope in the darkness, light at the end of the tunnel, salve for all the wounds… we can bear our scars & share life, love, & why with those around us.

sometimes we have to remember, we were made for such a time as this… we may not feel brave & hopeful. but we are! we never know how much until we have to walk deep in the valleys of life… but when we climb out & stand on top of the mountain & look at the view? we will find it was all worth it. the pain, wounds, sorrows – they will all be complete & laughter will swallow our tears…