January Lovelies

Howdy, and happy new year's, ya'll! I have so much to share and update...(Patience my dears: look for entries on trip to Togo, 2011 highlights, and 2012 dreams coming up soon!)

I'd like to share a quick note on some lovely things I have been indulging in lately.

1. Pinterest: OMG! Envision idea/dream/vision boards in a digital world. It's a very creative and efficient way to organize your ideas. You can have a variety of themes. My favorites right now are: "inspired vacations" and "my sassy style." Warning: this can become quite addictive. Use in little doses like during coffee breaks.


2. Healthy Eatz: January is always that post indulgence month. So alas, we are back to eating our veggies and savoring the lean proteins. It's been fun trying to create some tasty delicious dishes that are good for you. I made two kinds of shrimp over the weekend: hoisin and honey glazed and baked breaded shrimp. No frying done here. Nope not even the potato wedges... It's funny how enduring a tough workout can diminish crazy cravings.

3. Career Exploration: Perhaps it's the new year, but this has been a huge question for me over the last couple of years. Am I where I need to be? Am I where I want to be? I have a feeling 2012 will unfold a lot of answers to these questions. Stay tuned.

4. Savoring the weather. The weather has been kinda wacky lately. But it's been nice to be able to go outside, walk, run, and enjoy the greenery. One of my favorite things to do is go for a meditative walk and take pics with the hipstamatic. Indulge in some free time and wander around a bit. It's quite lovely.



5. It's time to not only get back to healthy eating, but healthy activities. I've been going back to my mat and my practice. January is a good month to get back into it. And, slowly but surely I'm getting back into my running habit.

2012 here we go!

All Packed and Ready for an Adventure

We are patiently waiting for the airport shuttle in the DC area. We have our shots, RXs filled, and visas. Now we have a long flight over to Africa. Hopefully, we will be well rested and ready for our vacation.

Hope you enjoy the holidays. I can't wait to fill you in on our trip.

Joyeaux Noel!

Creative Reflection and Dreams

“There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost.” — Martha Graham

As 2011 comes to an end, I thought it would be nice to reflect on my creative adventures. So what have I learned from all the drawings, collages, and doodling?

1. You never know where inspiration is going to come from. Always have an open mind. This composition came from a random photo I snapped at breakfast while on vacation. Just continue to record (with a camera, with words, or through doodles). You never know when the experience will inspire your creativity later.

2. Oftentimes, art can be found in everyday objects. It takes a commitment to being still and present to find beauty in the ordinary. I think we oftentimes try to make art bigger than it really has to be. I think art has helped me slow down and be a better observer in the things around me.

3. Trying new things can be fun. I was a little intimidated by the surrealism assignment that I was given a few months ago. But, a willingness to try and a passion for learning new things just help us grow in our creativity. Eventually, I was inspired my love for hot baths and rubber duckies and was able to make an imaginative playground in a tub!

4. Indulging in color has been a big challenge for me. It's so weird. As a newbie artist, it's hard for me to draw what I see. It's so simple. Whatever you see is whatever you should draw. I think we oftentimes think way too hard when it comes to art especially as adults. The greatest thing we can do for ourselves is the let go, be open, and just dive into it - no judgements. Just leap into creativity.

So...what's next?
Creative Dreams in 2012

1. I was very inspired by an artist's trunk show this past fall. I often think that being an artist is foolish, indulgent, or pointless. But, it was amazing to see an artist teaching women sewing skills in Africa and selling the accessories in the US. It was creative social entrepreneurship. I hope to indulge in this kind of do-gooding work in the future.

2. I also have visions of creating a space for Creative Discovery. I'd love to launch a series of art journaling classes in 2012. I've been working on a business plan and would love to share what I've learned from my own art journaling experiences. We all have the need to be creative and I'd love to share that with others.

3. More creative and crafty parties. With the help of friends, we had a couple of craft parties - just like-minded creative people getting together, talking, and working on crafts. It was beautiful and simple. I'd love to connect with more people in this way. I think the secret to a good event is being able to attract people who create beautiful things, share their thoughts authentically, and have fun.

Are you thankful - regardless?

the lovely Tanya at KoFest

the lovely BBQ and noodles at KoFest

the handiwork of one creative child

one Filipina's humble attempt at frottage

our humble attempt to have an Abercrombie-esque photoshoot with Tanya and the Prince of Togo at KoFest

The FanMan and his associates livin' the dream

Finally, my art teacher lets us utilize color... After two years of fine arts class..I took a photo of my pencils in the middle of class. Yeah the sullen hipsters judged me...

The sign says "Beer" - what else needs to be said.

We are determined to get this Abercrombie-esque photoshoot done right! (even after 2 hours of shooting our "Man with No Dignity" short film...)

Oh fig season! It was too short. I already miss you. How am I supposed to garnish my crumpets?

Are you thankful - regardless?

Sometimes life happens so fast we forget to examine and rest in what is simple, joyful and beautiful. Be thankful for each day - regardless. Be thankful when someone you love supports you - regardless. Be thankful for authentic friends who take the time to listen to you - regardless. Be thankful for the praises and the critics - regardless. Be thankful for your joys and your setbacks - regardless. Be thankful for your life circumstances - regardless.

As we come to one of the most wonderful times of the year, I know a lot of people get really anxious, worrisome, and feel rushed. I've heard people just wish we could hurry up and be done with the holidays. Why do people set such high expectations on themselves?

What has happened to us? Why can't you just do three things: Be with good people. Eat some good food and savor a quality beverage. That's it.
What else is there really?

I encourage you to be authentically thankful - regardless.
How are you blessed, nourished, and supported?
And, how can you slow down to truly savor this abundant life you really have?
How can you truly examine what is unfolding, unraveling, and revealing to you?

Are you willing to make mistakes in order to learn and grow?

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." - J.C. Pearce

Are you willing to make mistakes in order to learn and grow?
This is a question we face each morning. Our ego, inner critics internally, critics externally will force us to make a choice.
It's yes or no.

Sit still with this question. Let it make you think. Let it make you feel uncomfortable. Let it make you think. Keep breathing into this question. Try to clear your head and let go of the NO. And work towards the YES.

Your biggest enemy is often inside of you. It's often the negative self-talk, the negative criticism that someone you respected or loved told you. Be observant of the thoughts that come up.

Are you thoughts nourishing and encouraging?
Or are your thoughts toxic and destructive?

I've messed up. I don't claim to be perfect. You'd be surprised at how cruel, petty, hateful, and jealous people can be. Don't let the bastards grind you down.

Keep your spirit positive. Observe negative language internally and externally. Decide between you and your truthteller what is honest, pure, good, and true. Because you are the only person who decides YES or NO to the above question....

Ask yourself again:
Are you willing to make mistakes in order to learn and grow?

Your true self will give you the right answer if you listen to your instinct and let go of the lies, criticism and cruelty internally and externally.

Celebrate WonderFALL

Cheers to a WonderFALL! Put on your favorite scarf and tweed sneakers. Grab a crepe and visit your favorite barista. Sit down and savor your pumpkin pie latte and smile. It's fall. Draw. Carve a pumpkin. Visit beautiful friends. Be nourished in so many ways - spiritual, creative, and culinary. Enjoy the cooler temps. Go for a run. Call up a friend. The weather is shifting, and you are joyFUL and thankFULL.

Are Your Road Trips Adventurous, Peaceful, and Fun?

Mon petit ami Jacob is going to be an uncle! So, we planned a road trip to Dallas/Texoma for the weekend to attend a lovely baby shower (with good family and friends and CUPCAKES!).

When I go to Dallas, it is typically for work instead of for friends. I have it down to an art form. I like taking the 9am flight HOU/DAL, getting my Dallas-based cab driver to pick me up, hosting a business luncheon event at the Belo, getting my same cab driver buddy to drive me back to Love Field, and taking the 4pm DAL/HOU ( or using my Southern charm to get standby for an earlier flight). It's awesome like magic you wake up in Houston, conduct business in Dallas, and back in Houston all in one day. Bon temps, non?

But, this time I royally messed up my flight plans big time. And, we had to drive to Big D. So, how can you truly make your road trips more adventurous, peaceful, and fun?

1. Pack your elephants for Baby Taylor. Reason number one for going to Dallas, it's for a baby! hooray! I love making handmade artwork for babies and their awesome parents. Hooray for Aaron and Navvab!


2. Study the local art work. This one was curated by Bucee's in the ladies' restroom near Madisonville exit . Why is this place so awesome? Love, love, love me some Buc-ee's.


3. Carve in time for your own art and French homework. Yeah, the homework doesn't go away unfortunately. Learning and studying can be joyful wherever you are. And, play some Johnny Cash. He somehow knows how much it sucks to have to do work while on a trip.



4. Pack some candy, candles, and bubble bath. Sugar can help road trip fatigue. Candles and bubbles just make any bathroom more fun. And, make a pact with yourself that you will go for a walk, a run or a tranquil dose of yin yoga on your trip. Be sure to also detox with green tea, water, veggies, and yoga when you get back to H-town.



5. Admire your travel companion's rugged good looks and his ability to look pensive. Love this guy!


6. Admire the benefits of graduating from a small private liberal arts school. Your name is on the wall! Heck yeah! But, I already told you that how awesome being an Austin College Kangaroo really is.


7. Learn from a zen master in patience and play with kids. Mentor, listen, and love the ninos. And, teach children how to be a pool table hussla' in The Pub. Thanks Jacob for being an awesome boyfriend while I got to catch up with my Austin College girlfriends.

8. Visit and talk to good people: like Sandy and Kristin at AC homecoming, Lily at Cafe Brasil, Jonathan at the sickest Halloween ZaZa party ever and the many others I got to catch up with in the 214 and 903. Meet people where they are in life. It's important to visit old friends and keep in touch. The perspective you gain from a cup of coffee and a good conversation can be incredible. Accepting and celebrating where you and your loved ones are can bring so much peace and joy in your life and the lives of others. Recognize all the things you and your friends have already done. And keep going because life is beautiful and you are so loved!


9. Be able to laugh at yourself and remember to take photos of yourself in "nice clothes." Cos' you will never know if an old photo of yourself will end up on a wall somewhere when you go back for homecoming. Say hello to the person you used to be many years ago. And, dream about the amazing things you will be doing in the future. And, thank your mother for teaching you how to dress. Nelie Peralta, so happy you are my mom, first french teacher, financial adviser, life coach and style icon.

10. And if you ever see a Kangaroo or two, have your boyfriend and iPhone ready - even if you have to wait patiently while all the kids get their picture taken first. Why do lessons in patience always go back to those cute little kids? :)