DASHBOARD HULA by Shari Sherman

A Guest in the Studio

2012-02-10T11:44:00.000-05:00

Don't ya just hate it when you take pictures and you don't realize that your settings are OFF, and they turn out all blurry? I'm trying to cope by telling myself it's all ARTsy, but it's really NOT! ARRGGH!

BREATHE. Breathe.
Okay, I'm OK!
Meet my friend, Dolly!
She recently stopped by to exercise her creativity and share some hang time in the studio. I love having friends come visit and create with me. She is a fledgling artist and is open to any tips, tools, and techniques available. She's in that beginning stage, where she just wants to get BETTER. I told her that she already has everything she needs already INSIDE.
How do I know?

It's that DESIRE.

If the desire is there, then so is everything you need to fulfill it.
All you need to do is put it into...
PRACTICE!
Plus, as we experienced artists know, it's not about the end result, it's about the process.
And one of the best parts of that process, is sharing creativity with friends!

Aw, see what I mean?
This would have been such a cute pic if it was in FOCUS!
oh well, I still like it.
Thanks for visiting me in the studio, Dolly!
I had a great day!

Now, I'm off to practice my camera!
What are you wanting to practice today?

A Sweet Little Treat

2012-02-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

In an effort to keep clutter under control, I try to keep a tight rein on what comes in or at least try to balance it with what goes out of the house. I am especially scrupulous about knick-knacky type things that collect dust and take up valuable space. BUT, the other day on a recent supply run to Michael's, I happened on this, and I decided to treat myself. This whole line of birdy-inspired candle holders and candles are on sale, and I got this cage plus a set of 3 egg-shaped candles for about $8! I got it back to the studio and dressed it up with some sheer ribbons and VOILA!

Studio Snapshots

2012-01-28T10:09:00.001-05:00

Whenever I visit my local home improvement center, I always make a stop at the paint department to check on their OOPS paint offerings. If you are unfamiliar with OOPS paint, it is simply paint that is returned to the store because for whatever reason, the customer was unsatisfied with the color. These cans range in price from $1, $5, $10. While this super-yummy HOT PINK might have been too much for the faint of heart, it was EXACTLY what I was looking for. For half price, I'll take it!
Isn't it gorgeous?

And this is what I painted! These boring wood chairs are well on their way to becoming fabulous.

My soundtrack for this project: To The 5 Boroughs by The Beastie Boys. This CD is filled with surprises, sounds, beats, humorous samples. It gets me groovin' in the studio! Perfect energy to paint to! This album is a love letter to New york after 9/11. Easily some of the Boys best work. in my opinion, second only to Paul's Boutique. If you have a chance...check, check, check it out! Warning: There are F-bombs dropped all over the place. If this offends you, you might want to skip this one.

The Word is...

2012-01-19T11:42:00.003-05:00

PRACTICE

Most of you are probably aware of the simple practice (ding!ding!ding!) of picking a Word for the year. The idea is to pick a word that you can use to guide you through the year. Whenever you are feeling a little stuck or off kilter, you can focus on your word, regain some direction or perspective, and get yourself back on track. For a little video that I made for my art group, explaining how I came to my word, PRACTICE, click here.

When contemplating this word, my mind initially went to the common notion of practice being laborious, as in "UGH, do I have to?". The kind of practice that makes you "PERFECT". The kind of practice that no one wants to do.

UGH, is right.

But, for some reason, this word resonated with me, and on delving deeper and sitting with the word, I rolled around phrases like "What would I like to put into practice?" "What do I want to practice?" and the affirmative, "I am a practicing ARTIST!"

So what if practice wasn't laborious?

What if it is merely devoting energy to what you want to create in your life? (I want to practice my guitar this year!)

What if practicing is more about honoring your time? (I will make it a practice to go to the studio for at least 15 minutes a day!--that is mostly for those days when I am down and not feeling inspired.)

Or respecting your body? (My practice is eating well and deep breathing.)

Or inspiring others? (I practice smiling and kindness.)

PRACTICE=DOING=LEARNING

So this year, practice isn't about doing something that I should do, merely to get BETTER. (After all, I'm pretty amazing, right now! Can I getta Whoop-whoop?)

PRACTICE, this year, is going to be deciding what I truly want to devote my time to, on a consistent basis, in order to create the life I dream about. Boo-ya!

I'm going to practice being BRAVE.

I'm going to practice listening to my INKLINGS.

I'm going to practice financial $$ RESPONSIBILITY.

I'm going to practice GIVING freely.

I'm going to practice KINDNESS.

I'm going to practice LOVING self talk.

Here's a little something I made to remind me of my word...

It's a 16" x 20" canvas, and I think I channeled me some of the lovely Traci Bautista in this one.

Traci uses a graffiti style of painting that is free-form , intuitive, and filled with energy. This was quick and fun using colors that I love. I just have to say I can't get enough of DRIPPING! I loveit, loveit, loveit! I'll do another post on how to do this, just in case you've never tried this.

This painting is a loving, happy way to remind me of how I want to live my life.

It makes me SWOON when I see it.

I makes me want to PRACTICE.

Do you have a word for the year? I'd love to hear what it is!

Black-eyed Peas and Mermies!

2012-01-02T14:50:00.000-05:00

Some Black-eyed Peas for Good Luck! I make a recipe called Hoppin' John. A combo of sausage (I used veggie), onions, the black-eyed peas, and rice. Add a few jiggers of hot sauce to individual bowls. The tradition is to add a shiny penny to the pot, and whoever ends up with the lucky penny is sure to have some super-duper good luck through the year! It was Leila who got it, after 3 servings! Then, today she tells me that she really didn't like it, but she ate it because she wanted that penny! Hmmm, maybe I should plant a penny in some brussel sprouts!

These are a couple of cuties I worked on yesterday. I only had about an hour to spare and was in one of those moods where I didn't think I'd get too much done...was I wrong or what? I just LOVE them! Thinking of some words to add to them....

And I still haven't thought of my word of the year....have you?

New Year's Traditions

2011-12-31T12:57:00.000-05:00

The new year's tradition in my family is to have traditional Filipino foods alongside a melange of fingerfoods to snack on throughout the night. The youthful pull of partying into the wee hours may have given way to family game night by the fire, but these traditional foods remain the same. They are like roots of our family tree, grounding me, centering me, and a huge part of welcoming all the possibility and change the new year has to offer. Above is the start of a dish called pancit. I'm soaking the rice noodles to soften and then I'll cook them with soy sauce, lemon juice, shrimp, pea pods, and carrots, and garnish with green onion. I'll also be making lumpia, which is the Filipino name for a spring roll. Prepping the filling and rolling these little puppies is a bit time intensive, but so worth it to bite into their crispy, golden goodness. These dishes are symbols of family and tradition and celebration for me, and the holiday wouldn't be complete without them!

Now to compliment all that tradition, I'm going to add a Blast from the Past. Does anyone remember eating this pistacio/whipped cream/crushed pineapple concoction? I learned this recipe from my dear friend, Susan, many years ago, but surely it must have originated in the 1950's when dessert salads were all the rage. Oh! It also includes mini-marshmallows! I know it sounds strange, but once you've tried it, it is a flavor combination that so light and delicious and unique that it will surely be filed away in that part of your brain where food isn't just calories and ingredients...it provides comfort and evokes memories. The very best kind of holiday food.

Now, that all the food prepping is done for tonight, I'm going to take some time and quietly think about the new year...what do I want to create? what do I want to resolve? what do I want to manifest in this new year? So many possibilities! Oh, and I have to think about my Word for the year.
What are your thoughts on the beginning of the new year?

So much creativity, so little time

2011-12-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

I have been having wonderful bursts of creativity lately, unfortunately I haven't gotten into the groove of posting/blogging about it as it happens. I've been doing lots of little dogs like the one above, where I incorporate some collage paper backgrounds. I'm loving this combination of painting and gluing and tearing and stamping!

I can create wallpaper and fabrics using the ripped collage papers. So fun!

And here's another one (SOLD) where I used torn papers to create a cozy blanket for this sweet pup.

On a side note, for those of you who live in the Orlando/Lake Mary area. Hollywood Houndz in Lake Mary is having an awesome raffle for a HUGE basket of pet goodies, gift certificates and my BOOK! There is so much offered that you have to check out their Facebook page to see it all. Seriously, hurry over and enter to win. Tickets are only $5 and proceeds go to help animals in need. Raffle ends Dec. 23rd. Ya gotta be in it to win it!
Also, if anyone would like to order a copy of Paw Prints in Heaven from me, just let me know!

Going to put my elf hat back on and get back in the workshop!

Love for breakfast! on Twitpic

2011-11-19T12:22:00.000-05:00

Love for breakfast! on Twitpic

Hangin' with one of my favorite artists...and Wyland too!

2011-11-07T13:30:00.002-05:00

This weekend I had the great opportunity to hang out with my friend, Maureen. With both of us being busy moms, it was a rare chance for us to connect one-on-one. Maureen is a wonderfully creative woman, a true inspiration in motherhood, art, and business. I was so lucky to be able to accompany her out to the Polynesian Resort at Disney where she was to present her Redfish wood sculpture to the amazing artist, Wyland, as a donation to the Wyland Foundation. Wyland looked at Maureen's sculpture and said with gratitude, "That is ridiculously good!" A thrilling moment for Maureen, you could practically see the lovebeams radiating all around. There we are with Annette, Wyland's girlfriend. Behind every cool man is a super cool woman and that is her. She is an amazing creative herself. A diver, her passion is underwater photography.

We stayed at the event for about 4 hours along with a crowd of Wyland's fans. He started and finished this manatee painting which was later auctioned for $16,000!! Not bad for a few hours of painting! One of my favorite things about him, is that he doesn't follow the "rules" of art (as if such a thing exists!). He mixes oils and acrylics and oil pastels. Hmmm, basically, he uses mixed media!

When I was younger, I was something of a rock groupie. Following bands around, finding out which hotels they were staying in and reveling in the rare chance to meet the musicians. Times may have changed, but the groupie inside me, not so much. Except now I am thrilled when I get a chance to meet one of my favorite artists. Especially, when that person and those around him turn out to be really nice people. I have admired Wyland for quite awhile. First, because he has the amazing ability to capture the "light" in water. Also, because his subject matters are those that are near and dear to my heart as well, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and Hawaii. Not to mention his phenomenal foundation dedicated to educating children around the world about the preciousness of our oceans. And lastly, because he is living the life that I dream of...art, Hawaii, traveling, success!

As we left the resort, with our signed goodies in hand, anxious to get back and check out the pictures, we both were on cloud 9. Meeting Wyland was a dream come true for both of us. I felt filled to the brim with inspiration, possibilities and positive energy. (Oh, I forgot to mention the rainbow that appeared right outside the atrium we were in. Sweet.)

Ahhhh, it was a good day. My heart full of gratitude for friends and art!

Gettin' Creative in the Kitchen

2011-11-03T14:26:00.003-04:00

Today, I was feeling a little bit restless on the creative front, when I spied some spotty bananas in the fruit bowl. Bing, bang, boom, the next thing you know, I concocted these little muffins. I'm calling them Hula Muffins (of course!). The muffin is made of banana bread and the insides are filled with pineapple, marischino cherries, and chocolate chips.
Sometimes you just gotta go where the creativity takes you!

(If you'd like the recipe let me know and I'll message it to you.)

Good Morning Devil Dogs!

2011-11-01T09:40:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a spooky fun night celebrating Halloween.

I love seeing all of the "old" favorites like Bottlecaps and Smartees spilling out of the plastic pumpkin.

Just be careful not to eat too much!

this little devil dog inspired me over the weekend.

I'm going to take him and...

and this little cutie from earlier in the year and create more for each month/holiday and work on making a calendar of cute pups in costumes! What do ya think? I'd love to hear your comments!
I'll keep ya posted as I go along...what's next? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hannukah!

Go Out and Be Kind.

How I Met Jo Packham or Synchronicity at the Southern Womens Show

2011-10-18T00:49:00.000-04:00

Entering the Southern Women's Show at the Orange County Convention Center

I have lived in Florida most of my life, so it might come as a surprise that I have NEVER attended the Southern Women's Show which is held yearly in Orlando. I have made attempts in the past to go, but inevitably something would come up, schedules would change, and plans would be waylaid. But I am a true believer in everything happening in it's right time, and yesterday I finally got to attend the show. The biggest draw for me being that The Craft and Hobby Association was participating this year with their own CHA pavillion.

I went with my fabulous friend, Lisa, who is so naturally crafty that she thinks she's not. She is also a luck magnet, as a young man walked up and handed her complimentary admission tickets just as were about to purchase tickets to the show. Score! And I thought I was lucky! (actually I am the luckiest because I can call her my friend).

The day was packed with fun that started off with Wendy Russell , host of HGTV's She's Crafty, and her fun mixed-media challenge called, Get Your Craft On! That's me up on stage where we had 10 MINUTES to create a piece of art dedicated to someone special and the story behind it.

Amidst a frenzy of goopy glue and paper, flying feathers and felt...I learned that I am NOT cut out for speed crafting! But, the results didn't matter because it was so much FUN! In the end we were all crowned craft queens complete with feather boas! My art peice was more of a grafitti-style combobulation titled "You are Fab!" and I dedicated it to my friend, Lisa, as she cheered me on in the audience. She has been through some tremendous life challenges recently, and she not only handles it, but does so with grace and kindness, not to mention, always in a cute outfit!

Thanks to Wendy for helping us get our crafty day started!

(Shhh.....I'm secretly hoping that maybe one day, I can be the one leading one of these crafty groups).

Next, as we were creating embellished scissor holsters complete with scissors sponsored by Westcott, I mentioned to Lisa that I wanted to submit my studio to the Stampington and Company mas gazine Where Women Create, created by the amazing Jo Packham. Fast foward an hour or so, and I am standing in booth full of cute shoes and I look down, and there is Jo Packham! I tentatively asked her, "Is your name, Jo?" She looked up and threw her arms wide open answering "Yes!" As we embraced in a big hug, she asked, "Do I know you?" (this makes me laugh every time I think about it). "No, but I know YOU!" Then I proceeded to tell her how I wanted to submit to WWC and she said to do it, now is the time, and to add a little note about our meeting, joking that anyone who recognizes her needs to be in the magazine. (I hope she recognizes me when I submit!) She is funny, vivacious, and encouraging. Just the type of chance meeting that I needed to take my next steps, to Start the Journey...
(Plus, I knew that somehow cute shoes would play a part in my destiny...must tell husband!)

Our last project of the day was during Cathie Filian's make and take presentation featuring Mod Podge by Plaid, sponsored by Where Women Create. It was all about taking game pieces and recycling them for use in mixed media jewelry. I made this little ring from a Scrabble piece, some art paper, along with clipped words from a paperback book. We also learned how to make super cool pendants using a domino. Big thanks to Cathie for an easy-peasy and addictive demo!

The day was filled with positive energy and everything from jewelry to bacon-wrapped meatloaf (yes, yum!) and even a red hot fireman fashion show. I learned a lot about marketing too, observing some do's and don'ts to keep in mind, got lots of ideas and inspiration, along with tons of girly fun.

Also, Where Women Create is having an awesome giveaway in honor of participating in the Southern Women's Show, check it out here...seriously, you do not want to miss out on a chance to win!

I'm off to take some pics of my studio...I'll let you know how that goes.

Until then,
Go Out and Be Kind!

The Circle's End

2011-10-10T12:47:00.000-04:00

I've fallen a little behind on sharing some of the art journal pages I've done for the art journal circle that I've been participating in. Well, last night was the unofficial last night of the group, and I thought I'd share some of the last few pages that I completed. I'm feeling a little sad that it's over, as it has been going round for a year now. The good news is that I have book filled with some great art by some fellow creatives, and now it's time to look to what's next. With every ending, there is always a new beginning. Enjoy!

Great Giveaway!

2011-09-24T14:37:00.002-04:00

Hi All! Hope you all are having a great weekend. I am super busy but feeling pretty powerful, so it is all workin' out fine. So far, I've found my voice where my child's education is concerned. I've learned to appreciate the people in my life, while they are still here. They are AMAZING!! And I've also learned that I CAN DO IT...whatever I decide it is. (IT changes often and that's okay!). I've also learned that the husband and I work pretty well together on home projects. I think that's quite a lot for it being only Saturday afternoon!

Now, I'll be prepping a California roast with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, for my parents visit tomorrow and finishing up some small works of art, getting them ready to send out into the world.

LIFE IS A LOT OF PREP WORK!

While you are taking a few minutes to contemplate all the goodness in your life...

Check out this amazing giveaway that I'm a part of, if you would love some humongous artsy goodness! It's sponsored by Harmony of Feed Your Soul Art, and I'm giving away an original piece of art!

http://feedyoursoulart.blogspot.com/2011/09/enormous-group-giveaway-goodness.html

I'll let you know how the roast turns out. Until then...

Go out and Be Kind.

Roadtrip Therapy

2011-09-20T13:10:00.001-04:00

Every once in a while you need to just take off, get outta town, hit the road and fill the well. Removing yourself from your routine, from your usual setting can do wonders for inspiring creativity and helping you to realize your gifts and especially realize every little thing you have to be thankful for.

The Big Picture(s)

2011-09-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I posted some crops of some works in progress. Well, here is what I've been working on. I think it's pretty interesting how I go through phases of wanting to work big and wanting to work small. I believe my small creative urges are being satisfied with art journal pages at the moment, so when I get some studio time, I just want to work big. The LIFE piece is 24" x 36". This is based on a little song that my husband knows from when he was a kid. I had never heard it before I met him, but I just love it.
Happiness runs in a circular motion. Life is a little boat upon the sea.

This painting, grow!, is actually a painting that I already had hanging, but it was always telling me that it wasn't really finished. So I decided to re-work it, and this is what came out. It's another big one, 30" x 40". I have alway loved this quote from the Talmud. My favorite reaction was when my daughter saw it, and she gasped, "Are those rolly-pollies?" Yes, those are rolly-pollies! I'll have print options available in my ETSY shop soon.

So, I've just been doing whatever I want in the studio. I know that sounds kinda strange, because you would think "Don't all artists do that?"

Mostly, yes.

But sometimes we lose our way, and we start to make stuff because we think it's right, and we think what we WANT to make is wrong. As we find our way back to ourselves, it's important to spend some time trying out whatever you are inspired to create.

I like making HAPPY art. That is the label that I like for my work. I don't need to fit into the traditional categories of fine or folk, traditional or modern, abstract or pop. It all just feels so limited. So much energy can be wasted on trying to fit in. I like that my art makes people smile. It makes me feel good. And I believe it generally lifts the spirits of those who see it. Plus, I'm especially proud that kids love my work. I am choosing to be part of the Happy Movement!

I'd love to hear your comments.

I am off for a little roadtrip with some wonderful, creative women. It is time to fill the well and soak in some moonbeams by the water and stir up some creative juiciness. I'll keep you posted. Until then...

Go out and be kind.

Breathe through the tight spots...

2011-09-07T10:29:00.003-04:00

I, like many others, enjoy doing yoga. I am by no means a yogi or yogini (whatever the difference may be) but I do feel energized and rejuvenated and see the clear benefits of the stretching, the breathing, the connecting. There is something that one does when doing yoga and I like to call it breathing through the tight spots. It is when you use your breath to let go of that bit of tension, to get to just that little bit extra stretch. Pushing yourself just that littlest tiniest bit can make all the difference between remaining stuck and feeling exhilarated. Deep, deep breath, and let it go.

I bring this up because over the weekend, and actually throughout last week, as I am getting my blog active and my creativity stoked and my art career revved up, I find myself feeling a bit uncomfortable. I feel behind. I feel like I have to catch up.

This was evidenced last week when I spent some time trying to create a button for this blog. Even though I spend a great deal of my time on the computer, I am not yet computer savvy as far as creating gadgets goes. I can spend hours working on things that take others 10 minutes to whip up. It can be a little disheartening. It can open the door to self doubt.

But, that's where the breathing comes in. Breathe through the tight spots. Here are some helpful hints for pushing yourself past the places where you might feel stuck.

1. Breathe in and out. On your breath out, say to yourself...I can do this. (Because you can.)

2. Just do your best. And then do it again. Just keep going. Perseverance is the key. Don't give up. You will figure it just like everyone before you. Then, you will have the golden opportunity to pass on what you've learned!

3. Be gentle with yourself. Learning takes time. Put the time in, take some breaks and get back at it. It takes over 10,000 hours of doing something to become an expert (from the book, The Outliers). 10,000 hours!! So, don't expect yourself to become fully accomplished in an that extra hour before you go to bed.

4. Go to your studio and make something! Anything. A card for a friend, an art journal page, work on a sewing project, or a painting that you have had swirling around in your head. Get your creativity out! This will be the salve to help you get through being stuck, through the feelings of frustration. Doing. Do something every day and you will be further along. You will have that. And that will fuel you on for the next day. It's that simple.

These pics are crops of 2 out of 3 large paintings that I have been working on, that have helped me get through some tight spots over the weekend. Consistently spending time in the studio is like magic. I'll reveal more in the next day or so. Until then....

Go In and Be Kind.

Goin with the flow...

2011-08-27T12:53:00.001-04:00

Now that school has started back, I, too, feel like it is time to get back to "work". Fall means art shows and holidays and it seems like in no time at all there will be a flurry of activity filling the days. I 've had a productive week with art journaling, starting 2 new BIG paintings, and also taking a little time to add some cuteness to my studio!

This is one of those black, squishy, comfort mats. I use it sometimes when I stand for a long time at the easel. Previous to this, it was covered with paint splotches, kinda like a drop cloth. It was quite uninspiring, and it just happens to be the first thing I see when I enter my studio space.

All I did was paint it up, put a couple of coats of varnish, and then applied some bowling wax, very similar to the method I use to make floorcloths. Creates a durable, cleanable surface, that also makes me happy and ready to get down to some art work!

Here's how it looks!

I'm noticing that I get a little anxious because I don't have it all planned out, all figured out yet, about how to proceed. But I'm also realizing that I don't have to....yet. All I have to do is keep at it, persevere, keep doing something everyday to get me a little further along, like the turtle. Lately, things have been popping up that have me saying, YES! Ideas, opportunities, books, and even this mat.

Are things happening in your life that you can say YES to? I'd love to hear...

In the meantime,

Go Out and Be Kind

Just doin' it...

2011-07-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

As I've been going about my creativity this month, and after reading Geneen Roth's Women Food and God, I've been noticing how much time I spend in the initial stages of a painting pushing away thoughts of HOW this painting should turn out. (JUST PAINT!) I have an idea in my head of what I want, and then I feel myself painting in a more realistic manner. I have to push past this to get to what I want.(JUST PAINT!) I am realizing that subconsciously I know that technically correct, realistic-looking paintings are what is satisfying to the general public. The average person when "judging" art wants something to look exactly like what is being painted. If you can re-create exactly what you see, then you are a "good painter". (JUST PAINT!)

Recently, my daughter was telling me about an instance where she had drawn a picture of a cat. And the person she was with, (an adult), snickered at the little's cat's tilted head, and said, if you want to draw a good cat, you have to make it look like a real cat.

After doing some damage control and calmly explaining that you can draw whatever kind of cat you want. And it can look however you want it to look. And yes, that means it CAN be purple with polka dots if you want. And touching upon all of the amazing artists who have subjects with tilted heads, even if that isn't realistic.

It starts early. I look back and I know it started with me when I won my first shiny ribbon in 3rd grade for a watercolor painting of a single red rose in a yellow vase on a blue background. So realistic!

As you go about pursuing art, learning techniques, and different media, one can't help but apply the same formula that is taught throughout our whole educational experience...learn it, do it correctly, be successful! But, art is different...

I needed someone to tell me that art doesn't have to be realistic to be good. Art can be fun. Art can be whimsy and fantasy and imagination. Art can be crooked and off center. Art can be a single black circle painted in one stroke. Art doesn't have to be technically correct to be good. Good art is always what speaks to you. Good art is what makes your heart flutter. (JUST PAINT!)

So, as I step to the canvas once again, I need to push my people-pleasing, perfectionist thoughts aside, dissolving them with each brushstroke. My challenge isn't to paint a technically correct painting. I can paint a real tree like nobody's business! My challenge is to paint what I see in my head...smiling dogs, mermaids with colorful tails, colors that inspire, fearlessly adding words and glitter if I feel like it. My challenge is to paint a painting that makes my heart flutter. (JUST PAINT!)

Perspective...

2011-07-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

I made a little photo collage of our trip down to Sanibel Island. The island is one of my favorite places on Earth and I am thankful to be living just a short road trip away. Time slows down when you cross the bridge. Life is as simple as Beach, Eat, Sleep. Repeat. As soon as I get there, I am inspired. I don't know if it is the shore breeze playfully blowing through my hair, the fine white sand beneath my toes, or the amazing sky that kisses the sea. I feel comforted, safe...I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

As the iron lighthouse stands guard nearby, we comb the shoreline seeking treasures. It isn't long before someone calls out, "I found one!" or "Look what I found!" I am always in awe at the abundance that the ocean has to offer. Every year I pick a differnent type of shell to collect. This year, I set about easily collecting white scallops. I have an idea to make some pendants, possibly using wire wrap. I keep a lookout also for any interesting driftwood. This time I scored some woven palm, nature's "fabric". I can hardly wait to incorporate that into an art journal page somehow. Texture. Color. Composition. It is all around. Nature is creating magic here.

I am aflush with the ideas that wash over me.

Although my time spent on the island is fleeting, I remind myself to remain in gratitude for every minute I am there. When I am there, possibilities lay wide open. I feel like that is the life I am meant to live, and I feel like I have the power to create it. I hear the calling...

So, when I return home, I try to hold onto that feeling, that inspiration, that I CAN create whatever life I desire.
Below, is a work-in-progress, one of the many island ideas that are begging to be let out. It reads:
a day at the BEACH can change your whole PERSPECTIVE in the BEST way possible.

Go out and Be Kind.

A little mixed media...

2011-06-13T11:47:00.000-04:00

Hi All,
I've been away from the computer for a little while, absorbing myself with my new job. Unfortunately, with so much information to take in, I have had to limit my time on the blogs and FB in order to prevent any overwhelm that could arise from trying to DO IT ALL, ALL THE TIME.

I know that soon I will settle in and with camp starting this week for my daughter, I will soon have a lot of studio time during the day to myself, and a lot of time to devote to working out....SOON. Looking forward to these free summer days.

Here's a little somethin'-somethin' that I created for my art journal group. It will actually be in my own book, as this was a page devoted to how we are feeling about our group and the experience of art journaling up to this point. With art journaling, I am "feeling free". Able to explore all different mediums, often without any notion of how it will turn out. Just going with the flow, and reacting to ideas this way and that as they pop into my head. It's about happy art surprises and loving what I create with my own two hands. It's about using glitter with abandon just 'cause I feel like it. Stamping, cutting, clipping, gluing, stapling, painting, drawing, and adding words, words, words! Without any thought about whether it is fine, folk, whatever genre it fits into, or whether someone will like it or not.

As I mentioned above, this page will go into my journal at the end of the circle. Upon showing it to my husband, he asked..."Do you think Shari will like it?"

I think she will LOVE it.

Go out and Be Kind.

I got my wish!

2011-05-19T10:26:00.002-04:00

Jamie asks, "What Dreams are You Wishing for?"

I am always amazed at how appropriate her wish prompts are.

Not long ago, I noticed that it had been some time since I could remember any of my dreams. Well, the past few days I have had some CRAZY (yes, all caps!) nightmares. The unexplainable kind that make you wonder, "Why did I dream THAT?" I'm talking monster demons driving classic cars, car chases, a plump Japanese geisha woman with lifeless eyes walking down an alley, super-strength iguana lizards with razor sharp teeth, a cobra-like snake body chopped in half. OMG. These have woken me up, scared the bejeezus out of me, made me think that something was hiding under the bed ready to grab my ankle.
Always the optimist, as I could no longer go back to sleep, I lay awake pondering my future as a horror screenwriter. The only problem is that I would NEVER be able to see the movies I wrote.

So, then Jamie comes along and asks "What dreams are you wishing for?" Well, quite literally, I was wishing for just a plain old "good dream". The kind that you wake up from and just feel good and happy and wish you could crawl back into, that you could somehow hang onto. The kind that is not "disturbing" in the slightest. Please.

Well, I got my wish! Guess what I dreamed...

I had the most marvelous dream about....
SHOE SHOPPING!!

Yes, I am also dreaming of a wonderfully successful, travel-the-world, teach workshops ART CAREER, but I am also dreaming for the lucious, chunky, black velvet, platform shoes from my dream last night!

Also, for those who read my blogpost a couple of weeks ago about my sign FOR God...well, here it is. I took some time wondering what sign I would make, and all that kept coming to me was simply gratitude!

It reads:

THANK GOD

...for my wonderful life.

Thank you for my child's laugh, for my husband's smile,

for my friend's embrace.

Thank you for every triumph, sweetened by struggle.

Thank you for every day I stand at the sea

and every night I look up in awe at the moon.

Thank you for every quiet moment spent

writing and reading and thinking.

Thank you for my creative spirit, my imagination,

and my unending desire to

MAKE ART.

Thank you for filling my heart with...

Love and Gratitude

What Do You WISH to Know?

2011-05-04T11:38:00.000-04:00

This week, Jamie Ridler of Wishcasting Wednesdays, asks the above question...

I wish to see past the greys to the beautiful colors inside...
I wish to peel away the dry petals of the past that surround the fragrant center bloom...
I wish to know the inner me, the very heart of me.
I think this is a wish that I'll keep wishing for all of my days.
I hope.

Signs (and a wish!)

2011-04-27T13:37:00.002-04:00

I've always been one to notice "the signs". I usually see them everywhere. What I mean are those little things that catch your eye as you go about your day-to-day, that give you pause, that grab your attention. Sometimes, they make you ask "What does that mean?" and sometimes you just KNOW.

As I continue to find my way with regards to my art and work and my purpose, I have had the recent occasion to ask the Universe to send me a sign. Let me know that I'm going in the right direction. I've felt them before, the signs of suredness that you can feel in your toes. The signs that make you say "YES" with your whole heart.

Guess what happened?

Nothing. I haven't seen any signs. Am I not noticing? Am I going in the wrong direction? Am I supposed to just trust and keep going? All I know is that I don't feel settled. I don't feel that enthusiastic feeling that makes me want to put all of my energy into something. Whatever IT may be.

I have been thinking of signs a lot though. I have been thinking back to my childhood, spurred on by my recent interview with the wonderful VP Miller. It made me realize that I'm good at MAKING signs. One of my strengths is lettering. It comes easy to me to add words to my paintings. I think that's why I'm becoming more attracted to mixed media. I know it doesn't come easy for everyone. I know that a lot of my art comes out looking like posters or signs. As you can see from the above work-in-progress. I know I have some things to say, and I naturally seem to make paintings that look like posters. It seems so simple. Yet I never really realized it before. Or I haven't really embraced it before. Hmmmm, could this be something that has been under my nose all the while?

Then, the other night I went to an emergency city hall meeting concerning the closing of my daughter's elementary school. (Our city is truly rallying against this. I can't even describe the upset and sadness that surrounds this). Anyhoo, as I was walking through the historic part of our little town on the way to city hall, I see this SIGN.

How's that for a sign?

So Jamie asks today for Wishcasting Wednesdays... "What do you wish to focus on?" At first I was going to say, I wish to focus on my art career. But I think that I'm going to revise that...and be more specific...I wish to focus on a sign FOR God! I'll keep you posted as to what comes about.

In the meantime, Go Out and Be Kind!

New mixed media peice

2011-04-25T12:18:00.001-04:00

Here is another one of my new mixed media pieces. I am really digging the freedom that mixed media offers. I made this for my mother-in-law's birthday. I can't believe that just a short time ago, I didn't really enjoy "doing faces." Now I feel quite comfortable and am happy with how they are coming out. If there is something that you are uncomfortable with, but wish you weren't, my advice is to take a few workshops or watch a few instructional videos, and practice, practice. You'll be amazed at the world that will be opened to you. I enjoyed Jodi Ohl's and Tam's workshops when working with faces.

I used a stretched canvas as a base which I painted a variety of blues and greens. Then I collaged torn papers and die-cuts layered with different paints. For the girl, I used watercolors and Pitt pens on separate watercolor paper. I then cut her out and used gel medium to glue her to the collage. I used stamps for the words and voila! Whoop, there she is. Hope you enjoy her!

Happy Easter, my Peeps!

2011-04-24T14:25:00.001-04:00

Here's a little bit of the yumminess that we are enjoying this lovely Easter Day. Above is a Lush Angel Cake...angel food cake topped with pineapple whipped cream topping and strawberries. Heavenly.

We colored eggs yesterday and also made these cute little Rice Krispie treat Peep nests with little M&M eggs. So easy, just form the krispies in muffin pans to make the nests.

I was going to make my usual quiches for Easter brunch at our house, but I found a recipe for Strata, kind of an egg bread pudding that was begging to be tried. I made this one with ham and cheese and carmelized onions. Soooooo gooooood AND can be made the day ahead.

Top these off with a couple of Mimosas and you pretty much have a perfect brunch. Hope your Easter was just as yummy!

A product that really works...

2011-04-21T13:07:00.000-04:00

As you can see, I'm still persevering on the bloggie overhaul. Learning so much, which is fun at times and other times I want to pull my hair out trying to get it to do what I want. I'm getting there...

I wanted to take a minute out for a product recommendation. I consider myself quite a savvy shopper, mostly by necessity, but I also find it kinda fun getting bargains just by paying a little bit of attention. That being said, I do not like products that don't do what they say. It really bugs me. It makes me feel ripped off and I start pondering all that is wrong in the world, like work ethics and fraud. So, when a product actually outperforms my expectations, I am happy and willing to share the info, especially with my fellow artists out there.

I found such a product in Winsor and Newton's Brush Cleaner and Restorer. Absolutely fabulous product, and non-toxic, and low vapor, and IT WORKS. I have to admit I'm not the best brush caretaker in the world. I have brushes that have caked on, dried on acrylics, that I lovingly tell myself I'll use for some mixed-media experimenting. But we all have those brushes that we love and actually use to PAINT with, and when those are mistakenly left out to dry, it's is a sad day. And for those of us with young artists who get caught up in moments of creation and not so much in moments of clean-up, this will save you from admitting yourself to the looney bin, next time you find your favorite brush coated in dried black acrylic looking like a 12-month-old toothbrush, bristles all hither and thither.

It works! I recommend keeping a bottle on hand. (And if Winsor and Newton is out there, I'm available for product endorsement!)

Wishcasting Wednesday with Jamie Ridler

2011-04-20T16:28:00.001-04:00

I usually like to add a photo to represent my wish for Wishcasting Wednesdays, but today my whole blog represents my wish! This week, Jamie, asks us What Do You Wish to Tend to?

I wish to tend to my Blog! I wish to tend to my Creative Business! I wish to tend to my dream of success as an artist! So, today, I know I have the power to make the first part of my wish come true...I'm going to tend to my blog! Might look kinda funny as I work on it...please bear with me!

Go Out and Be Kind!

Wish...

2011-04-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

It's Wishcasting Wednesday, and today Jamie asks..."What do you Wish to Read?"

This is my nightstand. This is what I wish to read. There is almost always a stack this big. I love to read. Books speak to me...begging to share what they know.

Just a few of the titles waiting...
Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley
Crafty Superstar by Grace Dobush
The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers
A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

Can you tell I like to help my SELF? Makes me feel Good!

Baby Steps

2011-04-11T11:36:00.000-04:00

My blog has been on the fritz as far as uploading pics for the past few days, and for some reason, if I can't load a pic, a post just doesn't seem complete. During that time, I have had some kinda big news for me! I opened my very own ETSY shop with the above girly girl as the first item listed.

To be honest, this is my second shop. The first one I started about 4 years ago. I listed a few items and then....nothing happened. And quite frankly I gave up. I didn't nurture it. I didn't feed it or pay attention to its growth. I planted some seeds and walked away. That's why this new shop is such big news for me...a recommittment to myself and my art. It's me being brave in putting it out there, no matter what happens. I will not become deflated if I don't sell out overnight. I will love it and take care of it as an extension of myself because it is (I am) worth it!

The original for this print was made for someone very special to me, but the irony is that I'm realizing that it is helping me too. I haven't been feeling very strong and healthy lately and I've been on a quest to get to the root of why. I am a firm believer in affirmations and a huge fan of Louise Hay, the grandmother of affirmations. I truly believe that our minds play a big role in how we feel and how our lives unfold. So, this little girl is the first in a series I am calling Artfirmations! Affirmation art...something to delight your eyes, your heart and your mind. Something to look upon daily and tell yourself these truths until you believe them with all your might!

I'll be listing more inspirational, whimsical, happy art items soon, so please check back and see if something might be calling to your heart.

Be kind!

My First Interview!

2011-04-04T14:18:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to share my very first interview. Check it out here, over on VP Miller's blog. Enjoy!

The Biopsy is Benign

2011-03-31T17:21:00.000-04:00

Apparently the photo isn't loading on the last post, so here it is...entitled, The Biopsy is Benign.

How Do You Wish to be Brave?

2011-03-30T16:26:00.003-04:00

This week Jamie of Wishcasting Wednesdays, asks us, How Do You Wish to Be Brave?

At the beginning of the year, the word I chose to define this year was BRAVE. After all, I was enrolled in Brave Girls Camp for the wonderful Soul Restoration, and I felt truly ready to fly, ready to take off. I knew that I was going to need to be brave on my journey.

Well, the Universe has certainly presented me with some very intense ways of building bravery. First, I was layed off from my day job. No more steady paycheck. Then, shortly after that I received a letter informing me that my mammogram results recommended further followup. After another mammogram and ultrasounds, a breast biopsy was recommended. Then, as I went to seek refuge at my parents place down South, and lay low until the results came back, my father informs me that my mother has also been undergoing biopsies of her own and has been diagnosed with colon cancer, requiring surgery ASAP.

Talk about being Brave! How? I wish to be brave in the face of change. Life has a wonderfully scary way of changing, and sometimes, often times, in the most unexpected directions. I wish to be brave in those moments. To be brave no matter what happens. To be brave in thinking, I'll handle whatever comes. To be brave enough to tell someone I love, we'll handle whatever comes, no matter what.

And I thought I needed to be Brave to take flight in my art career, to put myself out there. Oh, how that seems so light and fanciful compared to the challenges that have brushed up against me.

FYI, my biopsy came back benign and my mother is recovering remarkably well. The above painting was something I did to commemorate this event in my life. I incorporated a love note from my husband that he left for me the day the results were due back and the words in graphite....the biopsy is benign.

Be BRAVE. Be Kind.

Look yourself in the eye

2011-03-05T10:33:00.000-05:00

Last night, my creative group, the VOGs, worked on affirmation mirrors. Much like everyone else, we had all come up with positive messages aimed at improving ourselves at the beginning of the new year. For this project, we took those words and phrases combined with some super-cute die cuts, gems, and other found items to embellish simple wood-frame mirrors. I added a turquoise ribbon to mine, and this morning woke up to this love reminder to myself. The most important aspect of this project is the mirror...so I can look myself in the eye as I tell myself how great I am. It's a great way to start the day and a wonderful place to visit for a few minutes, to take a deep breath, especially when those pesky self doubts sneak up on you.

The possibilities are Limitless...within limits

2011-03-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

Space shuttle Discovery-final launch. Photo by Shari Sherman

For those of us in the creative world, there is so much talk about living our best lives, living our dreams to the fullest, about the limitlessness of possibilities. I love this way of life. It feels good. It feels inspired and on purpose. I do believe that the possibilities are limitless where your life is concerned.

The irony of these limitless possibilities is that you need limits to achieve them.

Huh?

I believe that if your heart desires it, then there is a something inside you that can make it happen. If you have the desire, then you have the ability. Dream your dream, then get up and go in the direction of it. Those dreams aren't going to make themselves! In order to do that though, I think it takes honing, discipline, and awareness. And that means limits. Limits on time and limits on behavior. There's a reason why we are taught these skills when we are little. I think they lead to happy, productive, and creative lives. You see, limits create a sense of safety and I think that a sense of safety is essential to creative freedom.

I have a big creative dream of making a living from my art, and I know that I need limits in order for that to happen. I need to limit the time spent wasted on the computer floating here and there, and also time spent wasted plugged into the TV. They don't call it the "boob tube" for nothin'! I also need to set limits on my behavior. I spend too much time thinking about my weight. I know I need to lose a certain amount to "feel like myself". So I need to set limits on what I take into my body (sweets, chips, wine), so I can feel and perform my best.

So, my wish is to set these limits and stick to them....and see what happens. These behaviors aren't productive or beneficial or necessary on my path to my dream.

If you think you'd like to join in on some Wishcasting fun every Wednesday, check out Jamie Ridlers Studio here.

Be Kind.

FEARLESS FRIDAY...yes, I know it's Saturday

2011-02-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

I have the idea to start something called Fearless Friday. I don't know if it already exists...if anyone knows, please let me know, and I can hop over and join up. My word for the year is BRAVE. And in working with this word and in living in this word, I'm really coming to realize just how much fear I have. And especially how often, I let fears stop me. It's actually the only thing that stops me. To put it in a nutshell, the fear of not being good enough.

This year is about not letting my life be guided by the fear of not being good enough. So I am going to Brave instead. I am going to look at where I don't want to go and figure out why. I am going to look at why I don't want to do things, why I procrastinate in certain areas, and figure out why. I am going to take those things and shine the light on them and I am going to create the life I want to live.

So, every week I'm going to post the Brave things I have done during the week on Fearless Fridays. It'll help me keep track of my progress, and it'll help me notice where I am walking my talk, and it'll help me practice being Brave. No matter how small a thing might seem to be, I am going to

FEAR LESS.

Please, feel free to share any Brave things that you do during this week. I'd love to hear them!

So, here's what I did yesterday...

I made the calls to schedule my annual mammogram and physical therapy for my shoulder. I have been putting this off because of fear of the procedure/outcome and fear of the costs involved. I don't want to stick my head in the sand anymore. I want to take care of this and move on. And the funny thing about fears, when you face them, they have a way of shrinking.

Lovebeams, lovebeams!

Look what I made....

2011-02-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

For quite some time, I have been wanting to delve into the world of jewelry making and attempt to make some of those cool resin artwork pendants that have been showing up everywhere. I have made jewelry in the past, mostly random beading with off-the-rack pendants added, but I was very excited about the possibility of having my artwork as the pendant. I was not so excited about working with resin though. I have had some experience with it while patching dings in surfboards in the bygone days and from what I remember it is smelly and sticky....very sticky.

So when I heard about this stuff called Dimensional Magic made by our friends at Mod Podge, I thought I'd give it a try. After a successful gathering trip to Hobby Lobby, I set about the process of making my first pendant.
First, I re-sized one of my images and cut it to fit this neat heart bezel that I purchased at the Lobby. Then I clipped a few words from The Bedford Reader, ...Create Happiness. I used Liquitex gel medium to glue it all in and then I let that dry. Next, I added the Dimensional Magic. This was totally new to me and I had watched a couple of tutorials. You just slowly ooze it in. After you fill the bezel with the DM, then you let it sit on a flat surface undisturbed. I found that this is very difficult for me, and I can't tell you how many times I eagerly went back to check on it. "Is it done yet? Is it done now?" It says it only takes about 3 hours to dry, but I do believe the weather that we had here affected that and I had to wait longer. Ugh!! And you do want to be patient here, because if it is not dry and you put your finger on it, you will end up with a fingerprint on the surface of your pendant.

Anyway, here's my finished piece! I LOVE IT. So happy! Next time, I'll know to eliminate bubbles as they crop up by either blowing on them through a straw (something with the CO2 in your breath) or by poking them with a toothpick. On the whole, I'm very happy with the Dimensional Magic because it is so EASY to work with. One drawback is that if you are trying to achieve the "domed" affect that you get with resin, you won't with this product. This product actually results in a shallow well, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just different. Next week, I'm going to try resin and see what results I can get from it. Let me know if any of you have tried and Dimensional Magic and what you think, or if you have worked with resin. Any tips I can get before I start would be awesome.

Until then, happy creating!

I'm a New Creation!

2011-02-22T12:38:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night, a big beautiful full moon illuminated the night sky. My dear friend Lillian sent around some astrological info related to the Full Snow Moon. This was the last of 5 releasing moons. Release, release, release! A moon that would be the most aligned with the Earth and the Sun. The tidal pull would be strong and the energy undeniable.

This passage below was included in the moon info...

"Unexpected changes happen out of the air today. Go along for the ride. It is the twist. The sudden surprise. Say yes if you can. Take actions to adjust things so you can continue to work with or partner with the offer before you. You may need to STOP working with someone to be able to do what you want to do with another. All to the good. We are each getting into position for the next major chapter of our lives. Venus squares Saturn asking you to make a choice and go for your dream."

Friday turned out to be quite eventful for me with unexpected changes out of the air indeed. I recieved notice that my job was being eliminated and I was being laid off. As I talked with the VP of the company, I was a little in shock but I can't necessarily say that I was upset. It kinda felt like everything was happening exactly as it should be. I didn't go into panic mode, I took a few minutes to send some emails and digest the news. Then I found my Soup Dragons CD and danced around the living room while listening to the song, "I'm Free." The dogs were quite bewildered! (What the heckentater is Mommy up to now?)

I also created this painting to commemorate the occasion. I think the Universe has something in store for me. All I can do is do what I do, the best that I can do it. And stay open and BRAVe.

"Time to Take Off" by Shari Sherman ©2011, 8" x 10", mixed media on canvas

Also, after all of this, I went to the computer for some inspiration and consolation...wherein I entered Choosing Beauty's Happy HeART giveaway to win one of Rachel Awe's uplifting prints. There is a print titled, It's this simple... it really spoke to me and related perfectly to what I had written in my previous blog post about fitting in and standing out.

I was thrilled to find out a day later, that I had WON!

So, that's how I'm choosing to look at things...not so much at what I have lost, but what I have won!

Lovebeams, baby, lovebeams!

Wishcasting Thursday?

2011-02-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Jamie over at Jamie Ridler Studios asked the question...What aspect of your personality do you wish to express more of?

I know it's Thursday, but we're on the verge of a full moon tomorrow, so I figure I've got plenty of wishing time left in this week. I wish to express more of my quirky, whimsical side! It definitely comes out in my art and I feel it in my heart, but very often I censor that side of me, especially when it comes to my appearance and sometimes regretfully, when it comes to my creative ideas.

You see I'm the type of person who wants to jump around in black and white knee socks wearing a ruffly, chiffon, swirly skirt! I like chunky, clunky Dr. Martens and the cutest flip-flops you've ever seen. I like girly spring dresses and leather jackets with heavy-metal studs. I have a very creative fashion sense, but somewhere along the way I began to hold back. Somewhere along the way I began to ask what would be acceptable. Somewhere along the way, I started to ask what will THEY think? Was it when I got married? Was it when I became a mom? Was it when I turned 40? When did I begin to choose my appearance based on fitting in rather than standing out?

I'll have to think on that, but not too long, because I don't care. I'm over that, and I want to express more of my quirky, creative side that has been wanting to get out and dance on the beach in a lime-green tutu! (hot pink or orange would do nicely as well!)

Get ready world, you haven't seen anything yet!

Lovebeams All Around!

Go Out and Be Kind...

What Do You Wish to Dare?

2011-02-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's Wishcasting Wednesday, and I have been missing this process for the last couple of weeks. I let the To-Do list take over in a big push to get a lot done, which I did. But I can definitely feel myself out of balance for it. Was it worth it? No. But, I guess, sometimes it's necessary.

The question this week is "What Do You Wish to Dare?" I wish to dare to fly high. To let the wind catch my wings and just soar and float and kiss the sun! I've been noticing a lot of flying birds lately. I notice you, birds. I get it. I feel it. I'm cleaning out my soul house for a big takeoff party!

What Do You Wish to Dare?

Let Your Voice Be Heard

2011-02-04T12:52:00.001-05:00

I realize that it has been a couple of weeks since I have blogged and I want to give you an update. Rest assured that I have not dropped off the deep end, nor have I been suffering from artist block, and I definitely haven't grown tired of the blogosphere. I've just been taking care of business. Business business. Family business. House business. Personal business.

Busy, busy, bee, that's me!

I know there was a time when I said to myself that January is a great time to schedule all of the physicals and dental appts. To start fresh, to start anew. That's all well and good, but it's a lot to take care of in one little old month, especially after getting a slow start. The good news is we're all almost up to date. The bad news is that I'll need some physical therapy to rehab my shoulder from my skateboarding "incident" last year. But as far as bad news goes, that's really not that bad. I'm hoping for some heat wraps and deep massage.

I've also been restoring my Soul, and cleaning out my Soul House with The Brave Girls, and that takes a lot of energy and time. And I feel drawn to devote my time to it, to myself. If I could do this course all day, I would. It has been amazing so far and I highly recommend it to anyone considering this e-course. It's like a big hug that I've really needed, especially during this busy season. When, like a lot of other wife-mother-artists, we have a tendency to lose ourselves in the day-to-day needs of EVERYONE.

Also, my creativity group, the VOGs, have been feeling feisty, and hopeful, and ready to take on this new year...ready for whatever comes next! We've been reading Brene Brown's, I Thought It Was Just Me, which is deep and I can already tell it's going to be life changing. I'm in the process of planting my seeds and tending my garden, so when I figure things out a little more, I'll let you know. Right now, I'm just happy going in the direction I'm going. Slow and steady like a turtle.

On the other hand, some of us are breaking out, such as our beautiful, inspiring, courageous Elle Dowdy.

Elle is a writer and a poet in the richest, fullest sense. And she has the type of reading voice that actually makes me love listening to poetry. This woman could make a grocery list sound luscious and velvety and....you get the picture.

So our group recently enjoyed a very special event in her life...her first public reading! Her word for the year is ACTION, and this was some serious Brave Action.

There is a wonderful little place in downtown Orlando called The Dandelion Communitea Cafe. A bright green building specializing in homegrown, organic goodness with a big emphasis on community!

They have a wonderful spoken word night on the 1st Tuesday of the month, called Di-verse Word, hosted by Shawn Welcome, an amazing poet, who was "welcoming" and quite funny.

Elle was called early in the evening and she got up there in front of us and a full house of perfect strangers. Her words flowed easily like she'd been doing this forever. She was just fabulous, and I am still in awe of her talent and her fearlessness. Simply magical. I am just so honored to have been there for her debut. Our little group is blooming...

The rest of the night was just plain inspirational. Most of the poets are quite a bit younger, in their 20s, and they are just so genuine, raw, real, AUTHENTIC. The power that they put behind their words, behind their voices is AWESOME. Mr. McKinnon, Kate Mariner, Curtis Meyer...just a few of the amazing young souls that are letting their voices be heard and spreading some powerful inspiration. If you have a chance to catch this night, do it. You will walk away with a changed perspective, inspired, and energized.

Diverse Word's host, Shawn Welcome, is a nominee for Best Poet at Orlando's Hip Hop Awards being held this weekend. I hope he does well. His whole heart is definitely in it and I always like to see that type of inspired creativity get recognized. Good Luck, Shawn!

So that is just a bit of what has been going on in my part of the world. I'm happy that I found some time today to blog about it. I've missed this.

Whew...glad that's done.

2011-01-18T10:53:00.000-05:00

I hope I've finally learned my lesson this time about waiting until the last minute to start things...especially big projects that require a lot of time. Especially projects that I actually would have enjoyed much more if I started earlier. I have all the excuses in place because I really was working on other projects with their own due dates, but the reality is that I could have started sooner, with a little sketch here and a little sketch there. 10 minutes before bed or 30 minutes while sitting in front of the boob tube.

Well, it's done, my sketchbook is off to Brooklyn. After a fitful struggle with my scanner this morning and me rolling my eyes towards the heavens questioning, "why, why, why?" (I know the reason why...see lesson about not waiting until the last minute to start!) I made the extended deadline. It's not a masterpeice, but some good ideas were rolled around and some good sketches were made, and I realized that I really do like sketching. It's fun. I remember now.

I'll post more later on how you can view or follow my book as it tours the country as part of The Sketchbook Project and finally when it lands in The Brooklyn Library of Art, how you can Check It Out!

It might come true...

2011-01-12T11:20:00.000-05:00

I have a tank top that has these words written on it...
Make a Wish, It Might Come True.
Leila and I were checking it out this morning and it just dawned on me that the Universe might be talking to Me.
So today's wish prompt from Jaime of Wishcasting Wednesday is...
"What Do You Wish to Renew?"

I have just embarked on a journey with the Brave Girls to restore my soul (see previous post). Along with that I want to renew my body, my spirit, my zest for life! I want my body and soul to bounce around and through this life I cherish. Not feel sluggish and tired and always out of time.
I wish to renew my belief in myself...that I can create my dream life! I think all of this will begin to align as I begin my
soul restoration.
I wish to renew my true self...successful, creative, fit, happy, soulful!!

I AM READY....

2011-01-12T00:37:00.001-05:00

My Soul Kit, to carry my supplies, journals, and curriculum for Brave Girls Camp

The last week or so has been a blur, one where I was feeling drained, off balance, and so far behind. I don't even want to think of it. I'm happy to say that I am feeling almost 100% myself again and if the last 2 days are an indication of what lies ahead, I am in for one fun ride. In a nutshell, I've spent the last 2 days in the FLOW.

Yesterday, my daughter went back to school and I had a full day to play catch up...and catch up I did. I am a big fan of list-making, and I just love the feeling of checking things off the list, especially when I have spent a significant amount of time NOT checking things off the list. Just a few of the things I accomplished include: Working out, coloring hair, bank, bookstore, groceries, craft supply shopping, laundry, reading, and working on my sketchbook. Whew. A lot.

And today, more of the same...smooth sailing. Plus today is the start of Soul Restoration and I am so excited and just feel...ready.

Here are some of the supplies that I've gathered for the course. So much fun in store for my soul!

And a little reminder I made for myself as I go about my restoration...using my word for the year...

BRAVE

What Do You Wish to Say Yes to?

2011-01-05T05:32:00.000-05:00

It's the first Wishcasting Wednesday of the year! Today, Jamie asks the above question. My answer is simple....I wish to say "Yes"

Starting.

You see, I've had a cold for more than a few days and it has left me drained and aching from coughing so much! I am on the rise, so I know it will be over soon, but I am left feeling a bit unmotivated, unhealthy, and just plain UNDONE!

So, today, I wish to say YES to just Starting.

I have so much great stuff to work on...art journal pages, getting my kit ready for Soul Restoration, my Sketchbook, and all the other ideas that have been waiting patiently for this bug to take its course.

I want to say a HUGE thank you, in between coughs, to all of you who have visited me in the past week or so. Each word I read is encouraging and feels like pure, wonderful energy pulling me back to the land of the creative living. I am grateful for your comments.

Today, I say YES!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T05:38:00.003-05:00

Something good will happen...by Shari Sherman© 2010

It is time to Be Brave.

It's about 5:00 a.m. here in chilly Florida and I'm quietly jumping about the room, so as to not wake up the other members of the family. The dog is totally into it though!
I woke up this morning to a lovely little email from Kathy of The Brave Girls Club, so sweetly letting me know that my birdie and I would be the featured artist of the day on The Daily Truth.
I can only begin to tell you how amazing these women are and what they do, so just go on over and check them out if you don't already know.

I am just thrilled...THRILLED... because it is New Year's Eve Day!
(Dear Universe, I am not missing the significance of this.)
IT IS TIME.

If you read my post from yesterday, you know that I lost a day. And remember where I said, the day before I was being so productive.....well, one of the things I did was submit this little birdie! I don't even want to say how long I have been putting it off, letting other things get in the way, and just procrastinating on something as simple as submitting a little bird. Well, it was on my list of things to do before the clock strikes 12:00 and I finally got it done on Tuesday....or was it Wednesday? Anyway, I got it done...finally.

And Whoop, there it is!!

I have been on the fence about signing up for the Brave Girls' Soul Restoration online course. In my heart I know this is the step I'm supposed to take, but I was rolling it around, not fully committing, and doubting, asking myself...is it the right time, maybe NEXT TIME would be better. I have been foolishly debating about it because I didn't sign up in time to get the supplies included in the fee. Oh, the fee, that's another one. These are reasons that stem from lack and fear and doubt.
Why am I letting these things stop me...again? Why am I holding back from my dreams?

Well, I guess I'm going find out or I'm gonna blast through them or I'm simply going to take off.
Today, this little bird inspired me to commit. I'm going to sign up for Soul Restoration (hopefully later today-- I already put the little blinkie on my blog to hold myself accountable).

I'm feeling so inspired! Maybe you'll join me? Let me know if you do!

Whatever you're wanting to take on and accomplish for this Happy New Year, let it soak right into your soul, and then
Be Brave.

Mahalo Nui Loa
(deep, deep gratitude from the bottom of my heart)

Happy New Year!

I lost a day!

2010-12-30T07:27:00.001-05:00

I don't know how it happened, but I lost a day! I went to bed last night and woke up this morning thinking that today would be Wednesday! I checked in with Jamie Ridler to see what the Wish for today would be and was quite surprised to see so many people had already posted and it is only a bit past 7 a.m.

Hmmmmm.....as my brain was warming up, I realized everyone posted yesterday!! Today is Thursday! OMG, I'm a little bit freaked out. And the most hilarious thing is yesterday I was seriously cruising along thinking about how productive and on track I was being. I CRACK myself UP!

Well, yesterday the wish was "What do you wish for the New Year?"

I have my wish list in progress and I'll share that with you over the course of the next few days. I have my goals and resolutions and wishes all wrapped into one master list that Santa would be proud of. The kids get to make their lists at the beginning of the month of all the joyful things that would light up their lives. But the end of the month is for us. It's the time when we get to write out our wish lists of what we want the New Year to bring. I just love the air of possibility and optimism.

This is going to be MY year!

So stay tuned for my wish list....but for now what I wish for the new year is...

Happiness!

For the year to be filled with happy friends and family times and artsy success, not so many challenges...an Easy Year!

May all of our New Year's wishes come true!

(still can't believe I lost a day!)

Santa was Here

2010-12-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

Look who was hiding in the fireplace wreath...2 little empathy monsters! Leila loved mine so much that I had to create one for her too.

Kona is a trooper, but I think he's had it with the holiday photos for this year.

Leila making her first ever batch of Scottish shortbread. Notice her tai chi method of kneading. It was kind of nice to have 3 generations of shortbread makers involved in the process. It turned out delish, and I am wondering why we only make it for holidays....oh yeah, one of the main ingredients is butter, and lots of it! YUM.

It's interesting to look around and see how different families celebrate the holidays and what traditions are incorporated from years past and melded into the present. Here my Dad has just gifted Leila with her annual supply of tape. Yes, TAPE. It is a craft necessity for her and the tradition was started several years back of giving her tape. She still lights up when she gets it!

Baby Maui not quite sure what all this craziness is about....but lovin' all the paper everywhere and his first BIG bone-bone.

A delightful surprise! Our family friends, Judy and Irwin, were not able to make it to our house for Christmas dinner this year. We have spent many holidays together and they were certainly missed. It was nice to answer the door and see these. So thoughtful!

Ahhhhhh, one of the traditions I look forward to the most. Warming my toes by the fire (Mahalo, sweet Elle, for these happy, comfy socks!), enjoying the glow of the lovely white tree (still in love with this tree after so many years!), a stack of gifted books in my lap, and a barrel of popcorn by my side.

So much possibility swirling about for the New Year!

Hope you all are enjoying this Season of Generosity, Hope, and Love.

Life is oh so good!

My Winter Wish...

2010-12-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

It's time to make my weekly wish. This week the question is simple, "What's your Winter Wish?"

Today is the first day of winter and the moon is full and bright. It is also the final day of school for my daughter before winter break.

This week has been filled with getting things done, finishing my final commission, getting my hair cut, running errands, making the menu. Busy, busy, busy. There is a pretty festive mood around here which I am enjoying. I still have much to do, but most of the preparations are done and everything seems manageable.

There were also a couple of things in there that gave me pause to consider that others are not enjoying this time of year as much as we are. I encountered a parent who doesn't know the name of their children's teacher...this just blew me away on a lot of different levels. I'm not as involved in my daughter's activities at school as I used to be, but I do make the time to go into class a few times a year, and stop in for a lunch when I can, and I am in contact with her teacher via regular emails and conferences. I have a hard time wrapping my head around what could be going on in a person's life that they do not know the name of their child's teacher. And more importantly how that child must feel, what their day-to-day is like.

Also, my daughter had the experience of handing out little treat bags that we had made, and having several of the kids try to hand them back, wrinkling up their little snouts and saying, "I don't like this kind." I guess I made the mistake of not putting in the right kind of holiday treat! I thought that peanut butter cups and kisses, fudge and peppermint bark would cover all the bases. I was wrong. It was heartbreaking to hear this. I am wondering what happened to the days, when you got a little gift and said Thank You, even if you didn't like it, you'd take it home and maybe someone else in your family would. Thankfully, there were some kids who were happy to get it and said how much they loved this or that.

So my wish is this, I wish that parents everywhere would pay attention to their kids. Really pay attention. It's not about how many presents are under the tree or who is getting the latest what...it's about being with your child and knowing what is going on with them, seeing how they are growing, teaching them manners, and respect for themselves and for others. The spirit of this season is about giving and love, my wish is that no matter how busy a parent might be, teach your child gratitude, let your child know that you care, spend time with them, ask them about what is going on in their lives, at school, how they are feeling. Don't just hand them something and shuffle them aside. These children really are the future and I am still imagining a future filled with love and respect for one another.

I know that there are many different situations out there and I couldn't even begin to try to solve everything and turn the world into a perfect place, but for those who have seemingly given up, I wish them the strength to keep trying.

May everyone feel some warmth and kindness this season. May everyone's bellies be full when other days they are not. May we outstretch our hands to those who need a lift. May we let our lights shine on these cold winter days. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for every comfort, joy, and blessing in our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Yummy Olive Dip for Festive Get Togethers

2010-12-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

I'm fully embracing the hustle and bustle here in the studio today, as this will likely be my last full day here before the festivities begin. I wanted to share a simple, easy recipe for an olive tapenade that will knock the socks off any party-goer or visiting relative that you may be entertaining over the next week. It's super simple and oh so delish.

Enjoy!
I use a mini food processor and fill it with green olives and about 3 tablespoons of cream cheese and about 3-4 cloves of garlic. You can add more or less depending on your garlic tolerance. I prefer heavy garlic, especially this time of year as garlic is an immunity booster and we could all use the help to fend off the winter colds going around. Add a little drizzle of olive oil just to get the blend on, and pulse it up. Since my mini processor is just that, mini, I usually make 2 little batches and combine them. Serve it with toasted crustinis and voila! That's it. It is amazingly GOOD. Addictive.

I hope your week is Merry and Bright. Remember to breathe through it all and let gratitude fill your heart!

Welcome!

2010-12-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos of our porch. The story about our porch is that it is an everchanging scene as I have switched the back deck furniture with the front and moved tables and flower pots and fountains and such. Actually come to think of it, I also do this kind of switching around quite a lot in the studio. I'll have to post some shots there soon too. I am lovin' this bench (yardsale find!) and the palm trees (leftover props from my first art show) and the big island lizard (gift from Troy, Tim's brother).
I think this says, "Island Christmas!"

I am quite delighted with this holiday porch. (Hmmm, I think I need a little swaddling under that tree....)

I even touched up the old Santa. We found him left behind in the attic when we moved in. The goose now has a sign around her neck that reads...."Honk, if you like Candy Canes"

Honk-Honk!

Go out and be Kind! Though things can be a little frenzied out and about this last week before Christmas, I navigated quite cheerfully through Wal-Mart and Target armed with a Smile. It goes a long way.

I wish...

2010-12-16T06:54:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late on my wish, but it's an important one so I'm going to put it out there even if I'm a day behind. This week, Jamie Ridler asks, "How do you wish to Soar?" Well, just as easy as the past wishes have come to me instantly, this one just stuck there. Like Velcro. So I let it sit and I let is brew all day until light became night and I had to sleep on it. But it was still there...how do I wish to soar and why is it so hard for me to answer? I looked through my photos and I don't even have any shots to represent soaring. This is the photo that spoke to me. This is how I feel. I feel like I'm just sitting on my post, waiting to take off and there is a vast, big ocean out there with no place to land. What if I don't find a safe haven? What if I can't find my way back to the nest? Can I make it?

I wish my creative art life would soar! In the thrilling, exciting way, without fear. I want to take off! To really take off and just fly. To feel the wind and the sun with a big, free smile on my face. To fly for so long that I own it. So that I can just glide, and go with the flow, and really enjoy it. I want to soar so that my wings just KNOW how to adjust, by second nature, to the unseen currents. I want to soar knowing that my wings and heart are strong enough to take me where I want to go and strong enough to take me back.

I don't think the birds worry about how long the flight will last, will it BE ENOUGH to sustain me, can I make it...they just flip out those wings and take off!

I wish to stretch my creative wings and soar above
spreading inspiration and love.
People will say...
Look up!
There she is!
And smile.

Divine Purpose

2010-12-14T10:43:00.001-05:00

We just had our monthly art journal meeting. As with any group of people, it takes a little while for things to start to gel, for people to get comfortable with each other. I am happy to say that each time we meet, we get to know each other a little more and I can see how we are all opening and unfurling, preparing to bloom.

The above is the page spread I did this time around. It was in my dear friend, Elle's, book and I am so happy with it. Especially since I didn't start on it until about 2:00 on the afternoon that it was due. But this little bee was waiting the whole time. The idea had popped into my head as soon as I read her theme page describing the Divine. But, as I often do, I then went about questioning it and trying to think of other ideas, something with a nature goddess perhaps...all the while this little bee waited patiently. I used watercolors, watercolor pencils, and gelsticks on watercolor paper. Along with acrylics and PITT pens to outline. I cut a little felt heart and stitched the words You Can.
It reads:

Divine Purpose
sweet little bee
always hearing murmurs of impossibility;
too this, too that, wings too small and body too fat
shouldn't be able to fly

But on the deepest, softest part of it's soul

It is divinely written...

YOU CAN

*************************************************************

I also want to take a minute to thank everyone who responded to my Goody Two Shoes post. Sometimes blessings are in disguise and I felt blessed by the outpouring of support. I had a little conversation with my daughter a few days ago after a couple of girls in her class were laughing at a story she had written. The story was about Misty, an imaginary horse, an imaginary BOY horse. Leila firmly stood her ground stating, it's IMAGINARY!!! It can be anything I want!

Good Girl! Right on!
I then told her about the person making fun of my creativity too. She was very intrigued about this, and I wanted to let her know that she was not alone, that as an artist, you might run across this from time to time. As she is taking this in, I was realizing how crazy it is that some adults still act like 2nd graders. I tried to keep it simple and not go too far into all the social implications and underpinnings. I boiled it down to:

"If you can't say something nice, it's best not to say anything at all."
Her reply:
"I thought that was just for little kids."
No, sweetheart, it's not.

One really good thing that has come out of my little lesson here and from reading all of the comments afterwards, is that I realize how many of us have stifled our goodness to fit in. I wonder what would happen if we just started to embrace it... all the time. I feel a Goodness Revolution brewing. Maybe the world would change by being good to ourselves and each other. I don't know how it will take shape, but I feel it, and instead of thinking it is Too Big or listening to those murmurs of impossibility, I'm going to listen to my heart and remember I CAN.

My super-duper friend, Lisa, added:
"It's good to be good!"
I just love that.
It IS good to be GOOD.

Something I've learned this season...

2010-12-13T06:47:00.001-05:00

LOVE is truly all around.

Sometimes it can even be found on the back of a baby goat!

Peace.

Let the Festivities Begin!!

2010-12-12T06:45:00.000-05:00

New Year's Resolution #5
Study up on how to take night shots.

If the Goody-Two Shoes fit...

2010-12-10T09:10:00.001-05:00

I was exposed to a nasty comment yesterday that the author of which proudly self-proclaimed it to be a clearly intended smart-ass comment. This was directed at my previous post, specifically the idea of Wishcasting Wednesdays. It was peppered with condescension using words like syrupy. It expressed disbelief in the "wish upon a star" and the "Universe and the 8 people reading your blog will make it all manifest". The author went on to say something about wanting to go to the airport to chant. It was hurtful on a few different levels.

Upon reading the words, my hands started to sweat and the tough girl in me wanted to kick some ass! My first reaction was that I wanted to spew back some nastiness and ask her how wishing with "8 people reading my blog" is any different than everyone praying together over a prayer request made on Sunday.
Only God knows.

After I calmed down a bit, I started to realize that this comment wasn't really what it seemed. (Just as every challenge is never what it appears to be.) The lesson is always to go deeper. (Hopefully we all catch this BEFORE actually punching someone in the face or spewing negativity out into the world!)

I started to realize that the reason this person commented wasn't really about me or my wishing upon stars. I really have no idea why this person felt the need to make a smart-ass comment. That is for her to figure out. For me, it brought up some feelings from the past. In particular, that word "syrupy" touched a nerve. It has the connotation of being too sweet. Too good. Or maybe not good enough.

Throughout my life, I have been teased about being a "goody-two shoes". I remember when I was little, in grade school, people would call me "Miss Shari". Maybe because I always tried to do the "right" thing. Or at least what I felt was right. Maybe it was because I got good grades and sat at the front of the class because my last name started with an "A". Maybe because I was the one who seemed to interject a voice of reason whenever our ways turned towards mischief.

By the time high school came around, I was full bent on trying to prove this idea wrong. I still got greA+ grades but I also got involved in a lot of stuff that I probably shouldn't have. Not to say it wasn't fun, but I look back and I can see clearly where I got derailed. I can see clearly where fun turned into wasting a LOT of valuable time here. I remember feeling out of place a lot. I'm guessing this is the kind of wisdom that only comes with age. Thankfully, also comes the wisdom to appreciate ALL of it, because it all played a part in who I am.

Through a lot of soul searching and with the help of my circle of friends, earlier this year I decided to start freeing that good girl inside me. It is okay to be good. It's okay to want to do the right thing. It's more than okay. It's what the world needs.
Unabashed, shameless, goodness.
The kind where it doesn't matter what religion you are. It's what is in your heart. That is the true measure. You don't need a book to tell you what is right and what is wrong, what is hurtful and what is encouraging.

There is so much of the opposite out there...everywhere we look.

So call me syrupy, call me Goody-Two Shoes! I know my purpose. I'm here to Inspire. I'm here to create Happy Art and Happy Words...and I'm here to LoVe. I'm here to pay attention and figure it out. I know for a fact, I'm not here to make smart-ass comments and put down someone else's beliefs or lifestyle.

This blog is here to record my creative journey...to tell my story. It also helps figure a few things out, as I believe writing has the power to do that. It truly brings JOY to my heart when like-minded souls pass through here and comment with gratitude about something I've written. About how my words mean something to them, to let them know that they are not alone. That encourages me to keep going. I'm writing for myself and I'm writing for them as just one small way to strengthen the connection that we all share. We are not alone. We are all in the same boat.

I think the key to making this blog what I want it to be, is to make sure the ME is always here.
Authenticity.
That doesn't mean my light is always shining bright covering the world with syrup and sprinkling it with Skittles. Sometimes I can be downright crabby! Sometimes I have days where my decisions are questionable, my choices are clouded, my direction is not clear.

But I'm getting Braver every day and my heart is good. I'm grateful for those who read my blog, (even if it is only "8" people, they are 8 really, really good ones!) because we share and it makes my heart sparkle. And that feels good. I believe that feeling good is a pretty good indicator of which way to go.

As for the smart-ass commenter, I can only hope that she might discover why she would put this stuff out there. I know that God didn't put anyone here with the purpose to waste a single minute on smart-ass comments. The Universe told me so, right after it tossed out a star for me to wish upon. ;-)

Go out and be kind, please!

How do you wish to transform?

2010-12-08T07:16:00.001-05:00

I just love this picture! I happen to love those "feet-in" pictures where everyone puts there feet in the shot. It shows who was there and where you were. And it kinda symbolizes standing together. Now, this may just look like any other "feet-in" picture, but I like to think it's a little different. For me it presents a passage of time. You see, this was taken on the very same spot that the hubs and I got married 12 years earlier! 12 YEARS! I was just so happy that we could go back and stand in the same place and kiss in the same spot. And it was even more special because Leila was with us this time. I wish there was a way to bend time and space and Leila could have been at our wedding.

This week the wish for WW is all about transformation. The question, "What do you wish to transform?" I am noticing that my answers for these questions have been popping into my head almost instantaneously these past few weeks....hopefully that means I'm observing and paying attention to myself! I wish to transform my body! It has been 8 years since my daughter was born and I have been steadily adding weight as those years have rolled by. I never pictured myself like this. In my head I picture myself as the fit active girl I used to be, but then I look in the mirror or try on some clothes and Reality hits.

I have all of the confidence that an approaching New Year can bring. I want to finally shed the extra pounds that I've been carrying with me. I need to do whatever inner work I need to do resolve this issue. I want to feel healthy and fit again. I know what it feels like...I can remember and I know that muscles have memory too! I wish to be able to wear my cute clothes that I still have hanging in my closet. I remember that girl inside with her quirky sense of fashion. I remember being able to wear anything and it would look good. I think delving into these memories will help keep me on point for my goal.

I know that reaching my goal will have a ripple effect in all areas of my life...my relationships, my career, my confidence, my ability to manifest and stay open to my dreams coming true. (Maybe I'll even chart my progress here to start off the new year. Any wishers want to join in for support?)

to be clear:
I wish to transform my body into a healthy and fit physical representation of the positive inner ME!

Meet ED

2010-12-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

This is ED (which is short for Empathy Doll, name courtesy of my husband Tim). He is actually an Empathy Monster, but he keeps a low profile about that whole monster business. It has such gruesome connotations and can be filled with negative stereotyping. He is a little softie that I made as part of the fabulous ARt, Heart, and Healing workshop. So much goodness there, check it out if your creative juices need a little stirring up. ED is a listener. He doesn't offer any advice or anecdotes...he just listens. Lately, he's been listening to how time flies, and how I feel like I am in the same place I so often am with way too much to do and not enough time to do it, about how I feel as if I am just running from one place to the other. Why am I repeating this pattern? Why I am continuing to make the same choices that end me up here? I wish ED could just tell me the answers, but I know that his silence will help me find the answers within.

And here is a booth shot from my recent art show down on Sanibel Island. I really like how it is evolving. That proud green table in the center was a shabby roadside pickup that just got a sweet facelift with a little help from the Voggies. Can you believe that someone just threw it away? The next project on the list is to paint my director chairs and now that I look at it, possibly paint the legs on my print holder with black and white striping. (I seriously think I'm addicted to black and white stripes!!) I just love seeing how different artists display their work. Send me some links if you'd like to share!

Go out and be kind!

A month filled with ART

2010-12-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

It always takes me a little while to get back in the swing of things when I've been out of town. Especially where the computer is concerned with clearing out emails and catching up with the blogs. I brought my laptop with me this time, but with the art show, I never quite found the time to get on. I think it's nice to take a break from it once in a while, if only to prove to myself that I am NOT addicted to Facebook!

November flew by, didn't it? This mermie was part of my committment to Art Every Day Month. I have a few other things to post including my Empathy Monster when I get pics taken. This painting sold at the show and I shipped her off to Ohio yesterday. I may have missed a couple of days in the month, but I can assure you that on the days that I didn't actually pick up a paintbrush or pencil, that I was thinking about it! Doing art every day has fueled my desire to....do art every day! Magic.

Also, today is Wishcasting Wednesday! For anyone who'd like to participate in the this fun and inspiring wishing process, check out Jamie Ridler's blog. Today, she asks the question, "Where Do You Wish to Go Slow?"

This is easy for me and kinda goes along with my wish from last week...I wish to go slow in everything! I'm a turtle person and I believe the slow way is best. Sometimes I forget this, with being the Managing Mommy in Residence. I am trying to cultivate a way that I will be able to get done what I need to get done and foster calmness at the same time. I know it can be done, and I know a lot of it has to do with Time Management! So I will keep revising and refining my process, and I think I'm going to create a little sign that reads.....Slow and steady wins the race! Don't ya just love that tortoise?

Go out and Be Kind! Lovebeams all Around!

All the way from the Yukon!

2010-11-24T09:58:00.002-05:00

Look what I recieved in the mail amidst the bills and advertisements and pizza coupons....this little bit of loveliness created by Kim Henkel! I just love it with it's little windows and her art. It is so nicely done with a layering of wax on top. So many different techniques here that all work so beautifully together. Check our her blog for more of her heartfelt creations! Thank you Kim, I will treasure it!

Also, I got word that Chantal received hers in the mail as well. This was really a great project to take part in. It didn't require much time but certainly put some rusty skills to use and it's just simply amazing to realize how small our world really is. From Australia to Florida to the Yukon...kindness and creativity travels along our globe. So happy to take part.

Also, today is Wishcasting Wednesday with Jamie Ridler. I missed last week and it was all about celebrating. I am most definitely one who can find things to celebrate! This week's prompt is "What do you wish to invite in?" I wish to invite in a sense of comfort and relaxation. I have been so harried and hurried these last few months, that I really want to feel relaxed. I know that my life is probably going to keep going at this pace given all that I want to do, but I'm wondering if there is a way to be relaxed in my comings and goings and especially my doings? To be able to check things off the list and run the errands and juggle the balls of modern day life but to do so in a relaxed, comfortable manner? I have always thought of myself as a person who thrives on racing to the deadline. I often will leave things to the final stretch so that I will feel that rush of getting it done, kind of like a challenge to myself. I think I have always been this way....but maybe there is a different way for me? I don't know, I'm going to have to think on this. Anyone else have any thoughts on this? I'm going to take a breath and invite some relaxation in this Thanksgiving weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate it! And even if you aren't in the States, feel free to be thankful....it doesn't really need a special day!

This is what is has come to...AEDM

2010-11-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone, I've been working on this painting for the past few days and I just LoVe it! It makes me smile every time I look at it. Hopefully, it will bring you a smile today too! Another little bit of Art Every Day, give it a try....Create something today!

PROOF! Art Every Day

2010-11-21T11:37:00.002-05:00

I just love finding hearts in the most unusual places. This is a bowl of spicy queso dip. Proof that love is really all around! It's fun to find these reminders.

Secondly, I have been so busy creating that I haven't had time to post! I figure the posting of groups of creative activities will just have to do. Proof that I have been up to only good!
This is the pinned pattern of my Empathy doll for the Art, Heart, and Healing workshop. There is also one in the works for Leila. They are quite a bit along from this, but I don't want to spoil their reveal before they are ready.

Here I am working on these two cute dolls. (My watch is stuck on military time! Since the last time change, I can't figure out how to get it back to regular time...makes me feel very MacGyver-y, until someone asks the time....I have to think...hmmm, let's see...subtract the 12, which gives you...then it's 3:58!

Finally, here's a small piece I'm taking with me to Sanibel. I have been feeling this lately and it feels like a BIG HUG. Go do some art. Art heals the soul.

I'll be back with more creative unveilings when I take more pics. Have a light-hearted day!

Check our Michelle's Giveaway

2010-11-18T05:38:00.000-05:00

Michelle over at Allen Designs is having a giveaway. Go check it out and enter for a chance to win $100 shopping spree! I think I'm going to win, but you might if you enter!

Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap 2010

2010-11-16T09:36:00.037-05:00

After coming home from my art journal group on Sunday night, I settled in with scissors and thread and got down to business on my stitched postcard. This is my first attempt at something like this, and I am pleased with how it turned out. I wish I could have done the outer stitching a bit better, but I suppose that will improve the more hand-stitching I do. I like the little house and the words and I love the ribbons symbolizing the ripples in the waves. It's off to Australia! I hope whoever gets it enjoys it. It was fun to do! Now, I'll be waiting by the mailbox to see what is coming for me. So exciting.

My next sewing project is an Empathy Monster for the Art, Heart, and Healing workshop. Leila and I are working together to make these so that should be fun. The idea is to make a little monster poppet that will symbolize truly listening to your inner voice. Not adding any of the sympathy or chatter or other voices that we tend to add to justify, rationalize, or explain ourselves (we don't need to!). Just a little monster who will sit and listen...and be super cute!

Art EVery Day Entries Backlog Days 11-14

2010-11-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I can't say how much I'm enjoying Art Every Day Month. Here are the creative things I've been working on the last few days. I had to hold off on showing them as they are pages for a circle journal that I am in, and I didn't want to spoil the surprise by posting too soon (which I did a little bit on the above mermaid...see earlier post!)

I am lovin' working with all of this mixed media. There is such a freedom to just create how you want and having more tools and supplies at your disposal helps with bringing what is in my head out onto the page or canvas. It's all about this sense of freedom when creating. It doesn't matter if it's messy. It certainly doesn't need to be perfect. Which is kinda the opposite of what we are taught. We are taught to "get it right." Even as a self taught artist, attending a variety of different learning avenues, there is a sense of teaching yourself along the lines as if you are in a course or a program, of learning to do it the "right way". I have been realizing just how many creative people are intimidated by this "right way" of thinking, myself included. And doing art every day is helping me realize that whatever way I do what I do IS the "right way" for me.

Art Heals.

Art Every Day Month Day 10

2010-11-11T05:42:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Here is an art journal spread that I've been working on the past couple of days. It's for an journal circle that we recently started. The shell opens and inside will be my theme and guide for the book. I just love how she came to life. I'm going to do an Art Mermie for my upcoming show on Sanibel. (Sorry for the poor lighting! I'll post a better pic when all of my pages are done.)

This creating every day is magic.....I forgot, but now I'm remembering. If you haven't done it already, pick up a pencil and draw, or get out some scissors and cut and glue. Just doing the littlest bit of playing and making art does wonders for the soul.
Aloha and Peace,
Shari

Art Every Day #8

2010-11-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday Everyone! Here's a little piece I did for the workshop, Art, Heart, and Healing. I love working with backgrounds and the illustrated whimsical characters. I have a milliion crafty things to do today, so I'm off! But I'll be back tomorrow with something else for Art Every Day Month.

Go out and be kind!

Art Every Day 5

2010-11-05T11:36:00.000-04:00

An unexpected power outage caused by animals (?) allowed me some unexpected studio time today! I got a little start on my stitched postcard. The theme is HOME. I haven't totally decided what to do yet...it's just kind of taking shape as it goes. And I got word that it's going to Australia!! Earlier in the year, I sent some commission pieces Down Under....maybe this is a trend....maybe this is a sign....maybe I'm next! I'll keep ya posted, mates. G'day!

Art Every Day Month

2010-11-04T05:38:00.000-04:00

Since I have so many projects going this month, I'm going to be doing a lot of killing 2 birds with one stone (figuratively, of course). The above piece is my second journal page in the Let's Face It Workshop with Jodi Ohl. This portrait was done without drawing, just jumping in with the brush and going for it. It is created on a mixed media background using an altered children's board book.

Then something surprising and cool happened! This book has cutouts on each page, and look what happens when I close the book! I just love this, and I love that I didn't plan it! Art Every Day...it's amazing.

Make a wish!

2010-11-03T06:19:00.001-04:00

Jamie's question this week for Wishcasting Wednesday is oh so appropriate as we enter the holiday season. I feel like we are right on the edge of all of the thrills that go with these 2 months that just seem to fly by. She asks..."What do you wish to enjoy?" I wish to enjoy all of the passing moments of happiness and joy in my life...like this adorable creature growing into a DOG! He has doubled in size and weight over the last couple of months, and he no longer has "puppy breath". I have found a few of his baby teeth around the house and he has a Super Bark like Bolt, (if you've ever seen the movie.) LOUD. Already. This was his first day going to the beach. At least he still likes riding in his basket...my sweet little pudding pop! Whoever called him a "runt" is going to be proven wrong!

He's not the only one who is growing by leaps and bounds. Sometimes a moment will freeze for me and I will look at my daughter and I just cannot believe how big she is! Not only in height, but she is smart and witty and so very funny and strong-willed and determined and beyond creative! There are other times when I look at her profile, when we are snuggled in her bed, and I can still see my little, baby girl..who still wants to hold my hand, who wants me to carry her. Oh, how I want to hang onto Now. The seasons are coming quickly, but this moment is the one where I realize it, the one right before I have to give in ...that's what I want to hold onto.
I wish to enjoy these fleeting moments of our happy everyday life!

What do you wish to enjoy?

It's Here!

2010-11-02T09:19:00.000-04:00

Look what arrived in the mail! It's my moleskine sketchbook to participate in The Sketchbook Project!
A) It's so exciting to take part in this.
B) Thank goodness it's not too BIG.
C) I can't really focus on this until after my next show, The Sanibel Masters, November 26, 27, 2010. Which is okay, as the deadline isn't until January. So I can have fun with this over the holidays.

Here's a list of what's going on with me for this month and beyond:

1. The Sanibel Masters
2. Art Journal group
3. Jodi Ohl's Let's Face It workshop
4. The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap
5. VOG (my local creativity group)-working through "I Thought It Was Just Me" by Brene Brown, great book! and other fun things involving wine and snibbles!
6. Art, Heart, and Healing workshop with Tam. Love, love, love her!
7. The Sketchbook Project

and since I'm going to be so busy, I added:

I figured since I am most probably going to be doing some type of art every day this month, I might as well throw my 2 cents in here as well.

LET THE CREATIVE CRAZINESS BEGIN!

What creativity will you be up to this month or next? Please share!

The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap

2010-10-31T08:32:00.005-04:00

That certainly is a mouthful!

Today, I'm going to make a master list of all of the projects I'm involved in right now including deadlines and schedules and whatever else I might need to refer to in order to have a snowball's chance of completing it all. Believe me, it is a daunting amount to say the least! But, when I get on these creatives waves of energy, I really have no choice but to go with it. I'm feeling a bit like a creative crackhead!

So, that might explain why I felt I needed one more teensy, tinesy, little project to add to my already full plate. So now I'm involved in The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap. It's one postcard (easy-peezy) and the chance to be part of this creative project, and I can't wait to see whose postcard I get! And I already have my idea...bonus!

It's like I'm trying to match up different outlets for all of the ideas that are flowing through me right now, and when something pops up that suits one of them, clickety-click, I'm signed up!

Tune is to see how all of this turns out :-) (yes, I'm chuckling at myself, and in the background is the husband, shaking his head). Ha!

Art, Heart, and Healing, week#1

2010-10-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

One of the many projects/workshops that I am involved in the moment is the Art, Heart, and Healing workshop being sponsored for free by the whimsical Tam. If you're looking for some creative fun or something to get your juices flowing, check it out. You'll be glad you did!

The above journal pages are from week #1, and I won't go into too much about how they came about because you'll find out in the workshop. But I do have to say that there is so much power in facing your inner critics and negative self talk and then letting them go and using your hands and your heart to create over them. Creativity is a powerful thing...much more powerful than a tenacious little gremlin telling you, YOU CAN'T DO THAT! (or any of the other nonsense they tend to spew)

And besides all of the inner work, this was just fun! Not only did this exercise help me get over not wanting to do "faces" but also it helped me work on some background techniques and stamping techniques, not to mention the love of the brayer! I learned something else....It's all in the DOING. Doesn't really matter what the END is. It's the DOING!

Cheers, Everyone!

What Do You Wish to Shed?

2010-10-27T11:38:00.001-04:00

I was looking through my photo library for an autum tree shedding its leaves, when I came upon this old craggy pine from our backyard. Then I couldn't resist playing with it a little bit for Halloween. If I had time to mess with Photoshop, I would put a wise Raven there in the branches or maybe a sinister Owl with spooky yellow eyes!

Anyhoo, it's time to make a Wish and this week Jamie asks, "What Do You Wish to Shed?"
If this question had been asked a couple of days ago, my answer would have been skin and scabs (this really is turning into a gruesome, spooky post!) as I recently took a tumble off of a skateboard which I might elaborate on in a future post. Let's just leave it as, "It was all the dog's fault" for now. Anyway, I was in the healing phase where my skin was all itchy and all I wanted to do was shed those dead layers to make way for new.
I'm happily healing and past that point, so for today, my wish is to shed the extra weight that has been slowing me down. To shed whatever patterns I've been repeating that keep me holding onto it and to shine the light on whatever I need protection from.
I've already had a pretty good start with increasing the physical activity and water intake. And recently I've cut way, way back on the white devil....SUGAR! I mean, way, way back as in BLACK coffee for me! Now, if I can just beat back the dreaded mellocreme pumpkins and candy corn for the next week, I think my wish is going to come true!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

PS: Also I'd like to share a giveaway by the fabulous Renee Rodriguez. If you're into paper crafts, Check it out here! Good Luck!

Let's Face It! update #2

2010-10-26T07:53:00.000-04:00

Here is an update from the workshop called Let's Face It! that I'm taking with Jodi Ohl. I feel like I have many irons in the fire at once, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. After a period of prolonged bouts of confusion and not knowing what direction to take and just plain inactivity and avoidance of my studio, this flurry of recent activity is actually a really good thing. I'm enjoying going in different directions, trying new things, and the flood of ideas that seems to be pouring in. I'm excited at trying to keep up with it all.

I have been oh so pleasantly surprised by all of these recent opportunities to work on faces! Isn't it funny how in just a few simple steps, resistance can be transformed into pleasure and even desire? I'm actually desiring to work on more faces!!

Anyhoo, these are WIPs of my page about who was I? I just need to fill in the journaling bit, and then move on to Who Am I.

Hoping everyone is having a creative week!

2010-10-23T06:59:00.002-04:00

Okay, I'm in! I had heard about The Sketchbook Project and thought that it sounded pretty cool, but at the time, I didn't have the extra funds to join up. Well, then my friend Anne-Marie enthusiastically let me know that the Sketchbook Project will actually be touring through our town next year! Well, that just sweetens the pot that extra bit, and synchronistically, I just recieved a nice royalty check, so I quickly got signed up before the deadline at the end of the month. I had a hard time choosing a theme between...In 5 minutes and It's Raining Cats and Dogs. In the end, I chose It's Raining Cats and Dogs! which just makes me happy to think about. Can't wait to get my sketchbook and start!

Celebrating Life!

2010-10-22T07:13:00.000-04:00

This past week marked a full year of living for my dear friend, Cheryl. And I mean really living! You see, Cheryl had a heart attack a year ago and the doctors gave her a 25% chance of making it this far. I really wish they wouldn't do this, because that is statistics and as anyone who has ever taken a statistics class knows, statistics can always be skewed. And thank God for that!
We decided to celebrate by giving her a "1-year chip" like they do in AA, except it's a heart. This is kind of ironic as the Artist's Way seems to be loosely based on a 12-step program similar to AA. It is through the Artist's Way that we met and continue on this journey. The steps she has taken on her creative journey have rippled out and changed my life. I have been on a wild ride and had so many adventures and met such wonderful, hearty people....and it all sprang from spotting an ad in our local paper for The Artist Way group that Cheryl facilitated. A group of creatives getting together and talking about creativity. Pure magic.

I cherish every moment that I spend with her. She is an amazing person, a wealth of life's wisdom, and someone who truly knows how to belly laugh!

One of her favorite quotes is:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely

in an attractive and well preserved body,

But rather to skid in sideways,

chocolate in one hand,

wine in the other,

body thoroughly used up,

totally worn out and screaming

"WOO HOO what a ride!"

Until then, I am grateful to know her and call her a friend, and until then, we will Cherish Life!

A Glimpse of my Table, WIP

2010-10-21T07:08:00.001-04:00

I love how these greens and blues and yellows ended up on this canvas....I'm picturing a divine mermaid swimming here soon!

Love my new color palette! Orange has been popping up quite a bit lately, especially with turquoise and greens. Good thing, we are a Miami Dolphins household!

An ordinary sparkling moment I thought I'd share. Sometimes when the light hits something so right, I just want to crawl right into it.

Wishcasting Wednesday!

2010-10-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

Today, Jamie Ridler of Wishcasting Wednesdays, asks "What does the soft animal of your body wish for?" For those of you who don't know, that comes from a poem by Mary Oliver called Wild Geese.
It is an amazing poem, I think you'll agree. It just grabs you by the first line.

Well, my soft animal wishes to feel free. I have been asking myself a lot of questions lately about the limitations that I seem to have imposed upon myself. And about what I need to do to let those go.

I wish for freedom from feeling like I have to manage it all.

I certainly wish to be free from getting up before 5:00 a.m. and working for a company that I feel doesn't value it's employees. I wish to get up when my body feels like it, usually for me this is around 7:30.

I wish to feel free from the worry over finances and paperwork and everything that goes into managing a household and business. I wish to have an accountant or assistant to handle all of that. While I'm wishing, I'd like to wish for an assistant with whom I really get on well with...no drama, no egos.

I wish for the freedom to dream as big as I wanna. I've noticed that I've been wishing within limits here....like only wishing for things that I feel could be possible with just a few tweaks of my life, or if I just tried hard enough. No, I must begin to wish BIG with Imagination and Belief.

I wish for the freedom to take trips to places I dream to visit, like, of course, Hawaii, but also Scotland, Italy, New York, SF, the Berkshires...our beloved Asheville. The list goes on...

I wish for the freedom to create art from my heart without my inner critic second guessing. I wish to feel free to create an artist workshop without doubting my abilities. I wish to feel free to create the life of my dreams. I wish for the freedom to enjoy it all...all that life has to offer.

What does your soft animal wish for?

An ordinary sparkling moment

2010-10-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

Just an ordinary moment, filled with joy and hope and light and awareness and flowers from the garden! Have a great day and remember to Practice kindness.

My new laptop!

2010-10-17T07:03:00.001-04:00

With all of the hullaballoo in the previous weeks with my old PC dying a slow death and then my having to go get a new one on the fly and get it set up for work and.....blah, blah, blah, (you get the picture. I don't want to rehash it as it was not pretty), I didn't get a chance to share the best thing about that whole ordeal....I finally got a laptop! I have been wanting one for sooooo long and ta-da! I can't help but think that was the Universe's way of answering my wish....by MAKING me get one as opposed to waiting around and putting it off until a "better time." I have been wanting a laptop especially for kickstarting my blog and my ETSY shop, and FB and re-vamping my website. So I am choosing to believe that I went through all of that Yuck to get to exactly where I wanted to BE, post haste!

Anyway, a little bit about my new LoVe. It's fast compared to the dinosour I had, and it has everything I need for work and play including it's own Social Network button, where I can get my FB account with 1 click and it scrolls new posts right in its own box off the to side of whatever window I have open. And it is this delicious deep-brown color perfect for me.....Espresso! I am just giddy with the freedom to walk about the house and to lounge on the couch and read the blogs! I know a lot of you are ages past this first blush, so bear with me in my excitement!

Lets Face It! Workshop

2010-10-15T07:13:00.002-04:00

These are a few of the background pages from a workshop that I am taking called "Let's Face It" by Jodi Ohl. We are going to explore creating faces using a child's board book as a base for the journal pages. These photos show my WIP as I went about creating my backgrounds. This was a lot of fun for me which is something that I have been missing in the studio lately. It was nice to just get out some colors and start splashing around. There was no care really about brushstrokes or ideas about how I wanted it to "turn out". I splattered, dripped, and and dribbled. I used stamps, bubble wrap and paper towels. It brought me back to a time as a younger artist when I really wasn't afraid to try anything!

I actually won this workshop by entering Jodi's free giveaway, which I got turned onto by my good friend, Tory. (Thank you, Tory!) I was just thinking about exploring more faces, which I normally don't do, and then this just kinda fell into my lap. Funny, huh?

Well, next up are the faces! Looking forward to seeing what bubbles up with that. Check back for updates on this project. Until then, practice kindness whereever you go!

WP Autumn Art Fest

2010-10-14T07:00:00.004-04:00

Last weekend I made the time to check out a local art show. The weather was absolutely perfect and sales were good. Very encouraging for the upcoming festival season!

Central Park in downtown Winter Park where the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is held. This is also where the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is held in the Spring, one of the top shows in the nation. They have a beautiful rose garden there where it is nice to sit in the shade, watch the artists and patrons and stop and smell the roses!

Check out this beauty! It's petals looked so delicate, like tissue paper. This one is inspiring a painting.

I love how this turned out. So full of sunlight but you can still see the morning dew. There is wonder all around us.

Leila and Lisa, two beauties right at home with the roses!
Had a fun day, getting inspiration from my fellow artists and it really got me psyched up for my show in November on Sanibel Island.

Make a Wish!

2010-10-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's time to make a wish for Wishcasting Wednesday. Today, Jamie asks, "What Do You Wish to Free Yourself From?"

I wish to free myself from the JOB! I wish to free myself from the work I am doing now. It is taking way too much of my time. It is leaving me tired and without the energy to pursue my craft. It does not make my heart sing and I am ONLY doing it for the money, which kinda goes against the advice, "Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow". I do believe that, and I know the time is coming soon. So I wish to be free from the limiting thoughts that are keeping me in this place. I wish to be free of the patterns that are holding me back. I wish to be free of this job but in a joyful, safe, smooth, right-timing, kinda-way. In the meantime, I will be grateful for it and do the best that I can with it. After all, I am where I am for a reason! What are you wishing for today?

Confidence

2010-10-06T10:20:00.001-04:00

It's Wishcasting Wednesday and today Jamie asks, "Where do you wish to grow your confidence?" The above is a part of one of my paintings and I think it fits this week's wish perfectly. At first, I was going to wish on things like....confidence in marketing, or my art, or relationships....but then I realized that it really is just about growing confidence in my self! I wish to become more confident with who I am and who I want to become. Trusting that I am enough to do whatever my heart desires. I have sparkling moments of bravery and confidence, and these moments keep me going in my pursuits. But I wish for unwavering confidence to fearlessly head out in the direction of the life I want to create! Who's with me?

A grateful day

2010-10-01T11:31:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much to everyone who joined me in my wish for Wishcasting Wednesday. I am so grateful to share that almost all of my computer issues are solved. There is only one last little thing remaining and it is something that can be gotten around if need be. But I'm hopeful that will be solved by the end of the day! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Sometimes its so powerful just to hear that we're not alone. Here's to WishPower!

Stepping into....

2010-09-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

It's time to make a wish....This week Jamie asks, "What do you wish to step into?"

I wish to step into an easier life. Don't get me wrong, I am not one to shirk responsibilities, but it just feels like life is really hard right now, and every day is an exercise in problem-solving. I've been working on computer issues at work for almost a week now, and it is really depressing me. And I actually appreciate challenges, but this is ridiculous. I wish I could walk away from it but I can't. I feel like I'm not getting the help I need. Every step I advance is met with another wall. I want to step into a new and easier, smoother direction. I want to step into a life that I feel aligned with as far as my work is concerned. I am using all of my energy to think positively and with gratitude for all the other wonderful aspects of my life, but if one area is out of balance it truly affects everything else. I wish to flow through life with ease. Please.

Abundance

2010-09-22T10:29:00.000-04:00

It's Wishcasting Wednesday and today Jamie asks what do you wish for an abundance of? Well, my first answer would be an abundant flow of money! Because an abundance of money would solve the challenges that are swirling about me now. But when I go deeper, I really would like to wish for an abundance of Faith. Faith that everything is exactly as it should be, and that I am learning all that I can in this moment. Faith that doors are opening. Faith that I am on the right path. Faith that what I need will be provided. Faith that the right people will show up. Faith in the Loving Energy that encompasses the entire Universe. Faith that as I live my life in kindness and love and hope and trust, that everything will be okay. Faith in myself to create the life I want. What abundance are you wishing for this harvest season?

***The above picture was taken as a memorial to a lovely friend who passed away last week. I couldn't be at her memorial gathering, so I said my own blessings to her on the beach. After all, that is where I feel closest to all that is Good.

Coming Out of My Shell

2010-09-15T09:46:00.002-04:00

Today's prompt from Jamie Ridler for Wishcasting Wednesday is "How do you wish to come out of your shell?" I love this metaphor, but the answer didn't come to me right away. I started thinking about how the mollusk or other creature comes out of its shell....there are usually only 2 ways in which it does, either it is being eaten, or it is looking for a bigger abode.

Well, I definitely don't want to be eaten or otherwise meet my demise, so I'm thinking bigger sounds better. I wish to go BIGGER! I want to grow into a bigger shell. I want to wear the label successful female creative entrepreneur (because I know it can be done!) I want to expand my presence on the web. I want to give voice to my ideas and follow my style. I want to make a life encouraging others and feeling those reciprocating lovebeam vibes all the time. I want my art to be EVERYWHERE! Offering inspiration all across the planet! And when this comes to pass, I want to easily slip into an even bigger shell....the possibilities are limitless.

Good Boy!

2010-09-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here is the newest member of our little tribe.....Maui! He is the cutest little tumble of love. He has been with us since Sunday when Tim and Leila set off to Petsmart to buy a new sucker fish for the tank. That's when they spotted this little fellow being offered for adoption by a local rescue organization. Him and his littermates were left in a box outside the store a few weeks earlier. He was the "runt" of the litter. Someone was coming to pick up his sister and then he would be last to go. Enter us. He has the sweetest disposition and is super smart. He is already learning Sit and Lay down, and has had very few "accidents" in the house. He has slept through the last 2 nights which as anyone who has ever had a puppy (or a baby!) knows is a BIG DEAL. He loves to play with Kona.....Kona is still getting used to him. He's like an old man who has to tolerate a 4-year-old jumping all over him. But they do play and lay near each other, so those are good signs for the future. So I'm a little distracted these days by this guy, but totally in a good way!

2010-09-02T06:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, for some reason I can't figure out how to reduce the size of this video!! (I would totally welcome any hints with this.) But I'm going to leave it up because I am so excited that I WON!!! a free pass to this workshop with Jodi Ohl. I can't wait to explore the mixed media world. It's what I feel I've been drawn to in the last few months, where I'm headed. YAY! If that's not a sign in the middle of the road, I don't know what is! So psyched! Mahalo nui loa, Jodi! (thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!)

What Do you Wish to Begin?

2010-09-01T07:02:00.000-04:00

It's Wishcasting Wednesday and I have been so busy these last few weeks, the Wednesdays just feel like they are rolling by so quickly. Today, Jamie's prompt is what do you wish to begin? I have so many things that I wish to begin. I have no trouble beginning. It is the finishing that I have issues with. What do I wish to finish...now that would be a long post. Maybe that question will be coming up soon!

I want to begin my online store. I want to begin painting for my next show. I want to begin a book. I want to begin a mixed media series. I want to begin.....There are a lot of things I want to begin, but I get stuck, and I have been realizing lately that my life is cluttered and arranged in piles all around me.

I want to begin organizing my life, organizing my dream. First, I need to break my addiction to paper...newpapers, magazines, books, snippets, clippings, and emphemera, numbers scribbled here and lists scribbled there, and don't even get me started on the receipts. With the help of my wonderful husband, I am seeing a new way. It just feels better when things are organized. Life flows smoothly.

So I wish to begin a major de-cluttering effort here. I know this is where I need to start in order to do all the other things I wish to begin...I mean, I really don't need the Organic Living magazine from 2007, do I?

Wishcasting Wednesday

2010-08-25T07:18:00.000-04:00

It's time to make a wish! Today, Jamie Ridler asks..."How Do You Wish to Spend Some Time?" Well, that could be an easier wish to ask. In fact, this wish is raising it's hand and practically jumping out of it's seat to answer.....pick me, pick me, pick ME!! I wish to spend some time in the studio! It has been way too long since I've had a good chunk of time to myself to create. I have some ideas brewing that want to come to life.

Wishcasting Wednesdays

2010-08-18T09:14:00.001-04:00

Today over at Jamie Ridler's blog the question she poses today for Wishcasting Wednesday is: "Where Do You Wish to Make a Fresh Start?" I wish to make a fresh start with my art. I have already changed the name of my company to Hula Dog Designs, but I have failed to fully jump in and start anew. A change has been lying in wait for some time now, and I am at the point in the process of figuring out what is holding me back from going full steam ahead. I know that some of it has to do with the loyalty or more like it, obligation, that I feel towards my clients. People who have purchased from me before have come to expect a certain style when they see me at art shows. And I don't want to disappoint....ah, there it is, that creative monster! Don't get me wrong, I love my style. But I feel a need to expand. I know that in life there are periods of expansion and periods of regression and periods of stillness. I am on the edge of expansion, trying to figure out how to take that next critical step. I am reading all about resistance in The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. And I owe a great many thanks to my art group as we are working through a lot of this as well. The show we just did was so much fun! And also went a long way towards opening us all up artistically.

The above piece is entitled, "Remind Me", and it is based upon a poem of the same name by the uber-talented writer, Elle O'Dowd, a woman who I am so very proud to call my friend. Sadly, the poem is based on the love between her and her daughter who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. My heart is happy with how this work of art evolved and came to be. There is a certain rhythm and process to mixed media that I really like. It seems to fit in with my busy lifestyle as a working mom and wife. I could easily work for a bit, come back and quickly jump back in. Also, there is a limitlessness to it. You get to decide the boundaries. There is a freedom where most artists of this genre are not critiquing technique. It is the opposite of seeking perfection. It is more about seeking imperfection, which isn't all that easy for a perfectionist, but may be just what I need. You can't see it from this photo but there are shells and bells and dangly bits hanging from the bottom. And from the top sits perched a clay heart with the words Remind Me stamped on it. I thoroughly enjoyed the cutting, gluing, choosing, painting, sculpting. I am trying on the label of mixed media artist and something about it feels right. Next, I want to do one that incorporates my love for dogs, and one in particular, our pitbull, the Baby Java, a memorial piece to commemorate his passing a year ago last week. I'll post my progress with that.

So, I know what to do... I need to clear away the fear and the resistance, instead of taking a huge step, think about taking small steps every day, stop being a people pleaser, trust in my work and myself, and alway give thanks that I wake up each day with the opportunity to start fresh! Mahalo peeps and love beams to you!

The Magnificent VOG 7

2010-08-08T07:12:00.001-04:00

Please forgive me for neglecting the blog! Getting ready for a show is usually pretty crazy in the final week and this show was no different. Compound that with end-of-summer/back-to-school activities and you get the picture. The reception for this show featuring my amazing art group, VOG 7, will be August 14, at 7 p.m. at the Casselberry Art House. For all of you locals, I'd love to see you there.

These are a few of the peices that I will have in the show. The color is NOT right but I'm going to let it go for the sake of time management. The above painting is the first in a new spirit series I'm working on. This one is called Halo. It depicts a rainbow ring around the sun. I don't know if you have ever seen one of these in real life....it is AMAZING!! My daughter spotted this one while we were at New Smyrna Beach earlier in the year. Regrettably, I didn't have my camera. In addition to being called a rainbow ring, it is also called a Halo, and some call it The Eye of God. Hence, this painting was borne from that. I did a few mixed media pieces for the show and I am really diggin' it. I'm feeling a crossover happening soon.

Next up, is the mask that I featured in the last blog post. I absolutely LOVE how it turned out. The whole process was quite an achievement and really opened up my creativity in a lot of ways. I haven't worked with sculpture of any sort for quite some time, so it was kinda cool to do that. In addition to the lessons this mask taught me about endurance and perfection, it really taught me to have patience even when you need to work quickly. Remembering to breathe has a lot to do with it. This whole mask was an exercise in breathwork. Ahhhh, so much wisdom comes from just doing. That's a little bluebird of happiness up top (I made his legs out of Q-tips!)

Next up is BE. I showed some blurry out-of-focus snippets of her before she was completed in a prior post, while I was working on her during vacation. She is really not "completed" yet, I have a few other ideas for her...like a little messenger art tote bag with her kit of brushes and sketchbook, and Velcro hands so she can hold things. A lesson from this project....it is fun to play with dolls. I had a great time sewing and making use of little saved items. Play is good for the creative soul.

This is her little bio that I made for her. She is quite a fearless, creative companion!
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So, this week I'll be doing final prep for the show and final back-to-school shopping. Oh, and my daughter's 8th birthday is coming up on the 22nd! A couple of busy weeks ahead. We'll see what adventures unfold.

A Voggie Update

2010-07-25T14:32:00.003-04:00

On the last post, Ashley asked what my Vein of Gold group was about and also about an exhibition that is coming up... First, the VOG opening will be at The Casselberry Art House on Saturday, August 14, 2010. I would love to see you there!

Now, about our Vein of Gold group. About 6 years ago, I spotted an ad in one of the local papers, for a group called The Artist's Way. This is based on an amazing book of the same name by Julia Cameron. This book was patiently waiting for me on my bookshelf, purchased years before from a great little metaphysical book store in the neighboring town of Casadaga. Luckily for me, I went with my intuition and attended.

This group is what helped me to truly begin on my creative path and I will be forever grateful for it, and I cherish the people who are in my life because of this group. I can't begin to even go into everything that this group means to me....not only because I wouldn't know where to start, and also because time is not on my side this week, and I need to be acutely aware of where it is going. So maybe some other time I will delve into that. It is truly a long and winding road.

So, back to the VOG....basically last year a huge transformation occurred and the facilitator of the group, the awesome Cheryl, decided to take a break from the Artist Way group and form a branch off based on another one of Julia Cameron's books, The Vein of Gold. The second group is only 7 of us from the originals which is perfect, and we meet at different locations and discuss the book and everything else connected to our lives and our creativity, and it just magically flows. Which brings us to the exhibit. In the past, we have always had the art house for an Artist's Way exhibit during the summer and this year it was still available to us, so this exhibit is the collaborative work of the 7 of us "Voggies" based on the sections of the book called Kingdoms. Below is part of a project for the show wherein we all made plaster masks of our faces and then we are to take them in whatever direction we feel inspired.

The initial pouring of the mask was a feat in and of itself as your face is completely covered and you can only breathe through straws. It was truly an exercise in mind power and in breath control. The plaster is heavy and starts to warm as it hardens. I was okay and had to focus on breathing and basically block everything else out. Oh, and also try to squelch the urge to open my eyes. That would have been bad....very, very bad. I felt exhilerated and triumphant after the plaster was removed from my face. It has been a great project and I highy recommend it if you get the chance to do something like this.

So, here is my mask, I wish I would have gotten a shot before I painted it turquoise, but that is a lesson I am still learning. (Take pictures of every stage!!) My nose is a little crunked up, but the most important thing that I have learned so far about this process is ......the more I tried to get it perfect, the most I was losing myself. Ah-ha!! I started out lovingly, gently sanding and scraping the rough bits, and then turned into an almost frantic quest for symmetry and smoothness and PERFECTION! After I had sanded down one of my cheeks almost to the point where I didn't recognize it, I realized I was losing me. And I really, really wanted it to be me. So I took a deep breath and stopped all that nonsense and got down to the fun part...Painting!

I wasn't totally sure what direction I was going in, but my plaster self just looked so serene, so I just went with that.

I'm working with some DAS clay, which I thought I would love, and it turns out that I have mixed feelings about. And one of those feelings is frustration. But after a bit of work and experimenting, I was able to achieve the results I needed. If it's dry, I should be able to paint and put it all together tonight. And then it will be One down, a hundred to go....okay, maybe not a hundred, but seriously I have about 6 projects to complete before installation of the show this coming weekend.

My intention this week: To TRUST that I can do it. To center and focus all of my energy on time management and getting the projects done. And to not get bogged down by seeking perfection. There is something exhilirating about having to complete projects in a quick manner. I have been learning to go with my instincts instead of second guess. No time for that.

Anyhoo, Ashley, I hope that answered your question and if you're free I'd love to meet you at the show. Stay tuned for more project updates!

When is a Salad Spinner not a salad spinner?

2010-07-23T06:14:00.001-04:00

When it is ORANGE! My mother-in-law got me this for my birthday, and I LOVE it! I am really diggin' the color orange right now, and this was such a pleasant surprise. Makes me want to eat salads and all other kinds of fruits and veggies that can be spun and dried!

Had a wonderful birthday dinner at a little Italian place nearby called Stefano's Trattoria. OMG....so good. Leila's recommendation...."You have to try the tortellini....it'll change your life!!" It is delicious but I'm afraid that by "change your life" that might mean changing into a big fat cow! Good thing I have my new salad spinner.

Birthday week is almost over! I promise there is art in progress to come. I am working on several projects at the moment. Our Vein of Gold group has a show coming up at The Casselberry Art House, and I have about 6 peices to complete, and I'll post my progress. A lot of these are using different mediums than I'm used to. A lot of fun!

Cute birthday cake!

2010-07-22T08:57:00.000-04:00

This is the cake that Tim surprised me with this year. So cute and delicious.

And he also got me this!!!! Awesome book by Stephen Pressfield. Have been wanting it for quite some time. Can't wait to see what magic it holds.
Happy birthday to Me!

Birthday Advice

2010-07-20T10:26:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday! Happy birthday to me! I have a tendency to celebrate all week long, and this year was no exception. To kick off the week, we went to the Lil 500, a go-kart race track that has been there so long that we went there when we were kids! It has probably been close to 30 years since I was there last! Leila loves it and I am so surprised at how well she can drive! She really takes the corners like a pro and still has time to pose for the camera in true-Leila form! Afterwards, we went to another local institution for lunch, Kappy's. A small drive-in, greasy-spoon type joint that has the best subs! and waffle fries with Ranch! YUM!

Later that day, I was treated to an impromptu mini-birthday party at my friend Lisa's place. We took care of a bottle of champagne and had a great afternoon relaxing and talking, munching bread and olive dipping oil. I left with shoes, a new bag, Chocovine and Pina Coladas, roses....so much...So much to be grateful for!

The next day I enjoyed a great dinner with the family at Bonefish Grill. All I have to say is that Bang-Bang shrimp and Ahi Tuna Sashimi makes me a happy girl. And so did the collossal brownie, ice cream surprise at the end!

Monday was my day at the beach. I usually try to go by myself to reflect and just to have "quiet time." The Old Skool Surf School was in session when I got there. It was fun to watch the kids learning to surf. I treated myself to a Banana Colada Slurpee and Mon Delice . It was a beautiful gorgeous day! All I really need is my toes in the sand and some little waves and I am lovin' life!

And that brings me to today...my actual birthday... I'll let ya know what happens.....

Oh, and my birthday advice....have fun at any age!

Focus on LOVE

2010-07-14T06:34:00.001-04:00

It's wishcasting Wednesday, and this week Jamie Ridler prompts us: What Do You Wish to Focus On? I wish to focus on LOVE because love is all there is (man, did the Beatles have it ALL right!). I am a big fan of Marianne Williamson, and if anyone has read a Course in Miracles, the concept is that Love is all that is real, everything else is an illusion. Everything else is fear. So, I'm going to focus on love and finding love in every situation. It's there. And the way to find it is through gratitude!