What's Up

Greetings Friends,

I hope this coming fall alignment finds you ready to cozy down and relax a bit. That's the ideal aspect for me, though one look at the calendar indicates otherwise. I am taking daily steps, actions, intentions and clarification to create that much needed "downtime" whenever and sometimes wherever I can get it. Sometimes I can get away with planning a mini-retreat and sometimes I have to just scrap the plan altogether and be spontaneous (which certainly creates surprise and joy when I take advantages of these opportunities!)

One of the ways that I create "reminders" to stay connected to my creativity and passion is to display visual reminders of those ideas, aspects and items that bring me joy. I found this ADORABLE little suitcase in one of my travels this summer. It's old and fragile and PERFECT for displaying my art supplies. I truly love and almost walked away from it.

You know how you see something and you know, you JUST KNOW, that's what you've been looking for, even if you hadn't realized you were looking for it. This was the situation I encountered. I saw the "find" in a secluded corner of an eclectic store in Colorado. I knew I wanted it but I didn't know what I'd use it for. Usually I identify the "use" and then look for a supportive item. After spending May and the entire month of June, de-cluttering my space, I was pretty adamant about not bringing in anything that didn't have a preordained purpose. (Still having a hard time saying no to skirts, bags and vintage looking shoes!)

I hemmed and I hawd and wondered and scanned my brain. The only think I could come up with was that I would be sad if I didn't adopt this sweet suitcase so I turned around, walked back to the store and claimed my prize. It was probably over-priced but I didn't care. It felt right and I loved it.

It wasn't until a week or so later that I realized this was to be my "art icon" a daily reminder that would slow me down long enough to pause, smile, and play. I have several sketch pads of various sizes, markers, water colors and pens so that with only a "download" of an inspiration I can go to this spot and get it on paper. I've put in my most favorite books/magazines, Kinfolk in it. I adore the pictures and stories, they are soul-feeding and spirit-affirming. When I need a boost of any kind, this is where I head to!


This becomes my anchor in times when I get really busy too. With football games, junior high rodeos, homework, on-going projects, housekeeping, animals, chores and the myriad of other "responsibilities" I need an active arsenal of spirit-lifting activities or mini-retreats/solace finding options. I've dedicated this fall to self-exploration, discovery and re-crafting my path and purpose. I know where I am right now and I am also gathering ideas and inspirations for what I want to be "up to" next. In addition to taking a Leadership class I'm also involved in two other extraordinary experiences: intuitive painting with Flora Bowley http://braveintuitiveyou.com/e-course/ and connecting with my life path/purpose as well as AMAZING SoulSisters here http://sweetsalt.squarespace.com/soulstorm/ As yet, the journey is quite new and very fresh so both you and I may be surprised at what emerges!

In addition, I'm excited to offer a BRAND NEW course through MPCC!!!! I'll be presenting Exploration through Art Journals on October 1st at 6 pm at the college. I'm SUPER pumped for this one as I've been working within this area since last spring. This is a GREAT opportunity to play, explore, craft, really connect to your inner creative inspirations, ideas and rhythms. The class is geared for anyone 13 and up. Please consider joining us and do bring your paints, pencils, crayons, markers and even pictures. I'll be packing my vintage suitcase full of supplies, journals, resources, examples and other of creative offerings for you to explore.

I'm also offering Clutter Free Living, October 8th and Healthy Habits on October 29th. All classes are at 6 pm at Mid-Plains Community College. Please email, or FB message me with questions!

This is what I've been up to...how about you, what are you up to? What are you into? What themes, titles and experiences are really catching your eyes and bringing you joy and inspiration these days? I'd love to hear and please leave a comment in the space below.

And I'll do my best to be a bit more regular on here. I have SO MUCH to share :)