Incorporating Little Doses of Art

Very recently, I signed a lease for a little tiny space in an art studio. I've had boxes and boxes of markers, paper, glue, scissors, and random scraps of paper from museums I have visisted taking up space in my bedroom. It was starting to overflow and take over. I guess you could call it my inner artist's hope chest. We have these inner longings that we often ignore just because of life's to-do lists: work, bills, obligations, etc. And, we never get connected to what our spirit really wants from us.


When the Highlights magazine would come in the mailbox when I was in elementary school, my favorite section was the arts and crafts spread. I just loved the seasonal activities: making something out of pine cones for fall or creating a handmade Mother's Day card in the spring. I could spend hours gluing, drawing, and coloring.


As we get older, we are told to give up on those things. Perhaps it's a little antiquated to be a fan of crafts when you get older. Maybe your friends don't enjoy it or maybe you just don't have the time.


Actually, that's just a myth. Don't wait for great amounts of time anymore. Get a pencil (any old pencil) or a Sharpie and a piece of scrap paper. Better yet, have a small notepad and a pen in your bag. While you're waiting for your friend at a restaurant or have a spare 5 minutes, start doodling. Draw what you see right now. Be inspired by the photos in the fall magazines. Look at how the light hits the street after a rainy, warm Indian summer night. Have your knitting supplies sitting on your bedstand.


Little doses of art can uplift your spirit, take your mind off things, and nourish a part of you that is often neglected as adults. Art is an amazing agent in slowing things down. An art teacher told me to slow my pace down. I really didn't understand what she meant. I always created in a harried existence: print deadlines, budgets, and organizing words and images under someone else's vision. I didn't know what my style was and I had never slowed down long enough to really, really be present in what was going on around me.


How we create can really have an effect on our spirit... Is there a project you have been aching to do for months? Why do you buy so much scrapbook paper and markers? Is there an exhibit you missed because you forgot to make it a priority to go? Those are little signs that our life needs a little creativity, shape, color, design, and art.


Create now. Appreciate art now. Live in the moment now.

Summer's Simple Luxuries

 

I was inspired by a posting from Leo Babauta's "simple guide to life" article.

less tv, more reading.
less shopping, more outdoors.
less rush, more slowness.
less consuming, more creating.
less noise, more solitude.
less on future, more in present.
less junk, more real food.
less busywork, more impact.
less driving, more walking.
less work, more play.
less worry, more smiles.

I left the office very annoyed and harried because I spent an afternoon trying my best to do a project when after a couple hours of hard work... the file disappeared. And, I had to basically start all over again. Pretty lame. And, I was frustrated and pretty pissed.

I think it's easy to find luxury and simplicity when you have free time and you can do whatever you want. I think the biggest challenges in American life is to find joy in suffering, annoyances, and to-do lists. We are at work more hours than we care to admit. We spend more time with our colleagues, prepping for meetings, and staying late to finish one more thing than any other activity out there.

What I am challenging myself to learn is to take care of me, believe in spirit, find inspiration that goes beyond my own power, and to be open to receiving love and encouragement. You'll have to invest in some doses of simple luxuries throughout your day and plan for a couple of hours somewhere in your week. It's a must. If you don't devote to the basics and taking care of you, your soul, and your health, what's really left to do.

Be Inspired By Summer's Simple Luxuries
:: fresh seasonal fruit - colorful blueberries, watermelon and peaches
:: sip some sparkling water and chai tea and take your time to relax while you drink
:: yoga, yoga, yoga - nothing cures a bad mood like breathing deeply and stretching
:: swim, swim, swim - this is a classic summertime activity! find your favorite local pool and enjoy the view of the park, the families, and pure joy
:: walking in nature - you don't have to go very far to admire beautiful summer flowers. your neighbors yard or the beautiful oak trees can provide a unique calmness
:: hang out with a dog - ever watched how some dogs find anything fascinating and or so happy to be outside? it's amazing how peaceful and delightful canine companionship can be
:: curl up to a good book - in the morning instead of thinking about all the craziness you will have to face in your day, start off with some inspiring words.
:: call a good friend - sometimes getting a good friend's perspective on things can calm the nerves, be an uplifting inspiration, or just a good laugh
:: cook a meal and share it - my friends have a weekly dinner every week and it's so much fun to see what kinds of meals people come up with
:: art museums - get out of the heat and enjoy the colors and shapes found in art.

July Reflections and August Dreams

My, my, my... it is so hottt outside! It can be quite a challenge to get moving and be inspired when the air conditioning and cool soft bedsheets keep calling your name. But perhaps, we should make the best of those moments when our body is begging us and sending us vital signals to take a tall glass of iced water, eat a juicy peach from the farmer's market, and relax in bed.

While I was sick, it was very, very difficult for me to understand the concept of rest. My mind had been on overdrive for over two years and the adrenaline was overflowing through my veins. It was no wonder I was told to give up coffee for a while since I didn't need the extra boosts of over-activity.

Chaos can happen when spirit, mind, and body become opposing forces. Remember to take a step back and live your life with some thoughts, purpose, and solitude. Realign your energy so you can be an effective, brilliant person.

July Reflections
* learning that self love, confidence, growth, and self care are necessities for my spirit, mind, and health - Thanks to the 40 Days of Self Love Practice!

* finished French II at L'Alliance Francaise - I was so surprised how much fun, challenging and renewing learning a new language can be. I am so grateful that Jacob took me to Montreal and inspired me to practice one of mes langues maternalle.

* got back into running and yoga and fitness - Thanks Melissa for reaching out and asking me to join you. I don't know if I would have been as inspired to do this on my own. It was hard to give up exercise while I was recovering and suffering. But, I am grateful for the slow, slow, slow return.

* a better perspective on life - As mentioned earlier, La Dolce Vita is a state of mind. Regardless of circumstance, we all determine how happy would want to be.

* signed up for my own sacred, creative art studio space! - I love the energy in the artist's community and I am really going to enjoy carving out and developing my creative side.

* crying and crying and crying out frustration - Sometimes, you need a good cry. Sometimes, you don't have anyone to turn to but your own self. But, the next day, you wake up and start over again. Your presence, your energy, and continued pursuit of creativity and truth are sometimes all you really have in life. May you cherish it and let it soothe you.

August Dreams
* as a I return to my work, I hope I put in the creativity and energy I need to do well in my transition time.

* may my heart be open to new opportunities - teaching, cooking, yoga, running, and any sort of challenge, luxury, and rest

* searching for a spiritual and lifestyle mentor

* crafting a creative and spiritual community

* continuing Artist's Way and doing more small business research for my creative talents

* continuing French class and sign up for art and cooking classes

* start seriously studying for the GMAT

* celebrate the return of my beautiful tattooed banjo-playing mathematician boyfriend - get inspired by his recent call to serve the homeless in Guatamala

Channeling in Some Coco Chanel

As I prepare for another day to face the craziness, the beauty, and everything else in between on another scorching day in Houston. I am inspired to think about Coco Chanel. She learned how to triumph from suffering, was independent, and had style. I often wonder when I walk into some of the local watering holes around town if women my age have given up hope or just lost a sense of style. Is it supposed to be sarcastic, funny, or ironic to wear a trucker hat slightly placed at an angle on your head, with a sundress, and uggs? I just don't get it. This is not appropriate for any age.

I've started studying the fine art of style. Mostly because my job requires me to look professional and age-appropriate, but also because I wanted to wear clothes that are comfortable in my own skin. I've also learned that obtaining a nice, wearable wardrobe is about a few quality pieces and details. You can be a frugalista and a fashionista at the same time.

Another reason why I started studying good design and fashion is because of my pursuit of art. Studying the effects that line, color, and shapes have in visual expression on canvas has started seeping over into my wardrobe. There are certain things I have started to become attracted to and I started to notice pieces in my wardrobe that I had to let go. The piling of useless articles of clothing can hold you back from having the look that you want to acquire. (This can also be said about friends you find to be boring, uninspiring time-wasters. But, alas, that is another upcoming article.)

And, ultimately, fashion shouldn't be something that one worries and frets about. Look at the natural beauty of the flowers in the field. Don't you think that God invests more time in you and making you look beautiful the way He crafted you? The way we look is a natural, effortless expression of our lifestyles. You can either purposely wear your clothes or your clothes can by default be a sloppy, unkempt result of not caring any more. Sometimes being sloppy is a cry for help or not giving a damn.

On the flip side, you can tell some thought has been invested when you see a confident and comfortable woman who looks pulled together and is adorned with uniquely picked out accessories, makeup, and groomed nails. It's a sign of self love and self respect which are both signs of true contentment, joy, and happiness.

When you wake up in the morning and take the time to dress yourself. I hope you are inspired by the words of Coco, "There is a time for work. And there is a time for love. That leaves no other time." May how you represent yourself to the outside world be a true reflection of the pride you take in your work, in your passion, and in your love.

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita is not a place. La Dolce Vita is a state of mind in which I choose to beleive and trust that God will provide for me and that I deserve. La Dolce Vita is also something that you determine to experience wherever you are in life.

If you are having trouble finding la dolce vita, sometimes you may want to consider doing the following:

- You could be a little frazzled and stressed. Take a deep breath. Count to four in and four out.

- Take a long walk. Notice the sunlight. Walk in the shade. Look at the summer flowers.

- Go to Naked and pick up a pleasant smelling bath bomb. Put on a good podcast and rest.

- Yoga. Breathe. Legs up the wall and child's pose can do wonders.

- Put on a nice sundress and sip a sangria on a deck.

- Indulge in watching a movie alone. Smuggle in your favorite childhood candy and relish in the fact that you don't have to compromise what you would like to see.

- Go to the local pool and beat the heat. Sometimes it's amusing to see how children get so entertained by sprinklers. Honor how simple pleasures can make kids laugh. Swim your laps and relax.

- Go to a cafe. Sip your favorite beverage. Get out some magazines, books, pen and paper. Create. Think. And make goals.

- Call up an encouraging friend who motivates, inspires, and can criticize from a position of unconditional love and support.

- Experience nature. Change your environment. This could be as slight as buying new bed sheets, sitting on a swing, going on a hike, or riding your bike in the park.

Accept. Bless and get going.

 

::Acceptances::
Today.
My ability to run three miles.
Being without boyfriend for another few weeks.
Returning to an ugly place.
Living here.
A fresh start.

::Blessings::
Today.
Technology -- getting to communicate to my boyfriend and the magic of an iPhone.
A few sources of inspirations - good friends, flowers, cupcakes, pesto, and people kind of enough to respect and treat me well.
Money towards my Tokyo trip fund.
Discovering truth and happiness with less stuff, less drama, and less toxic people.

::Destinations::
More running, triathlons, and pools.
A good Danish designed couch, sunshine, and a book.
Japan.
Denver - again.
Tennessee.
Here in the present.
Truth in the heart and soul.
New opportunities.
The mystery and beauty of a life unfolding.

Summer Inspiration

It's amazing where sources of inspiration can come from. It can come from the strangest, unknown, or unexpected places. Or perhaps, the inspiration comes from something that was just underneath your nose. Most importantly, inspiration is something that only comes if you believe you deserve to recieve it. Inspiration is God's grace. People who have faith and believe in giving and recieving God's grace are more apt to understand inspiration, faith, and meditation.

Sometimes inspiration can be from a friend who is going through similar hardships and has moved on to a happier place. Inspiration can come from going on a much needed summer vacation or spending on afternoon taking care of yourself - watching a matinee, making your bed, getting a manicure, taking a hot bath, walking in a garden, or sitting quietly outside. The more trust and honesty you put in God and in your talents and abilities the easier inspiration gets. It can not be forced though. Sometimes inspiration just isn't ready to come out yet. Or maybe you are so busy doing everyday things that God doesn't feel you're ready to be open for inspiration or answered prayers. But, you have to continue living life, dreaming, praying, writing, and smiling with the hope and trust that the inspiration will come.

These are things that have been inspiring me this summer. May you carve out the time to find inspiration in your everyday life.

:: matching underwear - taking the time to start of wearing nice things is a sign of self respect

:: black eyeliner, earrings, and headbands - I have really short hair now and it really brings out my face and ears more. So, these are pretty affordab::le ways to update a wardrobe.

:: seeing photos of Paris and practicing my French - I like reconnecting to my "maternal" tongue. Exploring and revisiting my birthplace and listening to the beautiful language I was exposed to at such a young age is deeply motivating. I hope I can go to language school in Montreal, attend the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and explore French art sketching away, dreaming, and resting.

:: being comfortable in my own skin and loving who I am - there are ugly, mean people out there. sometimes they are strangers and sometimes they are loved ones. if you respect yourself enough to stand up for you and honor the beauty that resides in your appearance and in your sould, the harshness of others will wither away. the best form of revenge is continuing being a healthy, happy, beautiful woman. happy for no real honest reason comes from you and God alone.

:: being creative, examining images, and walking in an art museum - I connect to colors, images, shapes, and creativity. It is what inspires me in ways words cannot express.

:: writing and reading - Sharing my thoughts on a blog and reading great authors and articles are very motivating. Sometimes it is the only respite I can get when my thoughts, words and ideas are not accepted by others.

:: exercise - Since I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, I have had to take a back seat to my intense training. I have had to slow it down and just take in little bouts of exercise like walking to Food Town, exploring my neighborhood on food, riding my bike to the duck pond, and going to yoga class. Slowing down was hard for me, but I have found that my "workouts" are much enjoyable.

:: cooking and being a foodie- I love practicing my Spanish in the farmer's market and examining all the various colored fruits. I like reading all the bottles of spices and watching the Food Network. I feel a deep connection to nourishing myself. Just like wearing nice underwear, taking the time to feed yourself and rest during your meal is a simple luxury and sign of self-respect.

:: traveling - This year, I have been blessed to go on some fun trips. New Year's was spent exploring waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and beaches in Costa Rica. For my birthday, my beau brought me to my birthplace Montreal - such a beautiful place, arty, sexy, and cultured. Denver was lovely and natural. I was able to hike Mount Audobon, bike around town, and eat some good food with good friends who are supportive and adventurous. I've also taken some fun trips in Texas to the blueberry farm in Porter, hanging out at Barton Springs in Austin, and beer and oysters on a nice spring day in Galveston.