This time of year like many is my favorite time of year filled with wonder and playfulness! Things the rest of the year seem to lack. Do me a favor this Christmas as you gather with friends and family let go of the negative and focus on the blessings that each person offers to you. Don't worry if they can do a single thing for you, but consider what you can do to make them smile or laugh, or how to offer hope. Encourage their dreams and enjoy their presence. Reminisce on what you have meant to each other and demonstrate your love in active ways, not just in gift giving but by seeing them as they are in the moment. And then continue this into the new year!
To all my blessings out there... Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Since Last We Met...
It has been a month since I last posted and it has been a fight to get back to you. As each new thing gets marked off my to do list, I have this sense of "This is really happening!" I am just in awe of the transformation to the point I've been in a paralytic state when it comes to getting in my studio. Perhaps it's because all my excuses are gone. I finally have a space where I can work without having to pack up and put away everything just to function as a family. That my collection of art supplies that has been building up over the years now has a home and that I can now organize and work to complete my overwhelming list of UFOs.
Whatever it may have been, I am to the point where the real fight begins and the dream becomes my reality. What I discover beyond my looking glass is what this blog is all about! I hope you will join me.
Whatever it may have been, I am to the point where the real fight begins and the dream becomes my reality. What I discover beyond my looking glass is what this blog is all about! I hope you will join me.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Exposure
Exposure n.: a prominent, often overextended position or commitment that is considered precarious and risky.
Like any journey to realize one's dreams, there comes a moment when you have to step out of the comfort zone and take that next step. This weekend presented such a moment.
At last year's Texas Art Education Assoc.'s conference, they had presented each of the members a sketchbook. The challenge... work in it and bring it back to share with others at this year's meeting. I committed myself to doing something that would be worthy of laying it out before a jury of my peers, but when the day came to hand it over I almost backed down. It's been my pattern for a long time, I will confess. I stood there debating with myself on how risky this was. But with a few reservations from my gremlin (aka that little voice in your head that says you can't do certain things), I handed it over to the lady behind the booth.
I'm glad I did. Out of hundreds of members, I was one of the 30 or so brave souls who did. It was by no means in the same realm as many of the more experienced artist/educators (according to my gremlin), but it was mine and it was out there for all to see. I even saw a couple of people photographing a page or two.
One step after another: I am attaching a select few of those pages with this post. Most of which were my solutions to a few sketchbook suggestions for middle school students and some of my own creations. Hope you enjoy.
If I can take that next step, so can you... what is that next step for you to move toward your dreams?
Like any journey to realize one's dreams, there comes a moment when you have to step out of the comfort zone and take that next step. This weekend presented such a moment.
At last year's Texas Art Education Assoc.'s conference, they had presented each of the members a sketchbook. The challenge... work in it and bring it back to share with others at this year's meeting. I committed myself to doing something that would be worthy of laying it out before a jury of my peers, but when the day came to hand it over I almost backed down. It's been my pattern for a long time, I will confess. I stood there debating with myself on how risky this was. But with a few reservations from my gremlin (aka that little voice in your head that says you can't do certain things), I handed it over to the lady behind the booth.
I'm glad I did. Out of hundreds of members, I was one of the 30 or so brave souls who did. It was by no means in the same realm as many of the more experienced artist/educators (according to my gremlin), but it was mine and it was out there for all to see. I even saw a couple of people photographing a page or two.
One step after another: I am attaching a select few of those pages with this post. Most of which were my solutions to a few sketchbook suggestions for middle school students and some of my own creations. Hope you enjoy.
If I can take that next step, so can you... what is that next step for you to move toward your dreams?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Hope
HOPE - The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best!
It's seems to be the word of the day... it's popped up in several places this morning and keeps jumping out at me. I had a student who seemed to have given up on life and in my feeble attempt to encourage her to reach for her dreams. She struck back with "It's not easy!" I don't remember what I said after that but her response sits in my mind. All I can think is "No, it's not. You have to fight for it."
More recently, I had a chance to work with a great bunch of middle school kids in an art room. They would say about their artwork, "I don't like it, Miss!" My response to them was, "You're the artist and the only one who can change it. I can't do it for you." And a light would come on in their eyes.
In creating artwork, I have come to realize that mistakes don't exist. What we call mistakes should be referred to as unforeseen opportunities. They offer us a choice on how to proceed. Like in art, these opportunities add depth to the person we are becoming... so it is in this that I would like to offer my readers a little bit of hope...
Dreams are not easy, but they are worth fighting for. Show up and seize your opportunities, foreseen or not.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
It's seems to be the word of the day... it's popped up in several places this morning and keeps jumping out at me. I had a student who seemed to have given up on life and in my feeble attempt to encourage her to reach for her dreams. She struck back with "It's not easy!" I don't remember what I said after that but her response sits in my mind. All I can think is "No, it's not. You have to fight for it."
More recently, I had a chance to work with a great bunch of middle school kids in an art room. They would say about their artwork, "I don't like it, Miss!" My response to them was, "You're the artist and the only one who can change it. I can't do it for you." And a light would come on in their eyes.
In creating artwork, I have come to realize that mistakes don't exist. What we call mistakes should be referred to as unforeseen opportunities. They offer us a choice on how to proceed. Like in art, these opportunities add depth to the person we are becoming... so it is in this that I would like to offer my readers a little bit of hope...
Dreams are not easy, but they are worth fighting for. Show up and seize your opportunities, foreseen or not.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. I have been listening to the stories of those touched most directly by the lives lost that day, those who are losing everything in the fires consuming Texas, and those affected by flooding along the upper east coast and it made me wonder "what would I change if I were to have my own unthinkable moment?" But not only that, but how should I live knowing that moment could strike at any time.
My top 3 things to change would be the following: 1) Spend as much time with my children making memories; 2) Quit making excuses and putting off my life in the here and now; 3) Downsize the amount of meaningless stuff in my possession as much as possible.
How would you live life differently tomorrow? What is it you consider valuable that you would hold onto? And what would you let go?
My top 3 things to change would be the following: 1) Spend as much time with my children making memories; 2) Quit making excuses and putting off my life in the here and now; 3) Downsize the amount of meaningless stuff in my possession as much as possible.
How would you live life differently tomorrow? What is it you consider valuable that you would hold onto? And what would you let go?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Plans of One Woman
For the last couple of months, I have been struggling trying to figure out what I should be doing in case I don't have a teaching job this school year. Nothing however was making sense. It was like driving down a country road at night in the fog. The only thing I thought I could make out was the reflective signs indicating a turn up ahead. I was worrying so much about what was around the corner and focusing on my plans for what could be there that I forgot to trust in God's plan for my life.
This week, God reminded me that I am still in His hands and He has everything under control. I don't have to worry but only trust Him and the journey that He has laid out for me. My plan now is to be prepared because the unexpected is coming and it will be glorious!
This week, God reminded me that I am still in His hands and He has everything under control. I don't have to worry but only trust Him and the journey that He has laid out for me. My plan now is to be prepared because the unexpected is coming and it will be glorious!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Welcome!
Charlotte n. - creative spirit, lover of learning, graphic designer/artist, Christian, wife and mom seeking a creative lifestyle, peace and balance. She dreams in color and shoots for the stars. She is her own worst enemy, but continues forward defining herself.
The reason for this endeavor is to chronicle the steps in forming the definition, the journey and the roads it takes me down as seen in the creativity and artwork it inspires. I hope you will join me on this adventure!
The reason for this endeavor is to chronicle the steps in forming the definition, the journey and the roads it takes me down as seen in the creativity and artwork it inspires. I hope you will join me on this adventure!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)