Monday Inspiration Celebration: snowed in

Monday's Inspiration Celebration has been delayed due to excessive amounts of snow requiring us to head outside and play!

Yesterday:















and today:










We were so excited to test out our new, super fast, 3 person, mean green sliding machine, I forgot my camera! (Another reason I need to update my apparently antique cell phone - my 14 year old niece declared she had never seen one that old and in such good condition! - for an i phone.)






Snow days have meant hot cocoa, tub time and hours to work on my Sketchbook Project journal which is finished!! (teaser alert: photos to come!) Meanwhile, I invite you to join me in Yoga Journal's 21 Day Yoga Challenge. It's free and each day you will receive an email with links to online video classes, audio programs and other supporting materials. Today I did a 20 minute vini-yoga class and then whipped up a banana-mango smoothie for Cowgirl and me to enjoy. A pretty wonderful day ... sigh ... going to work takes a big chunk out of all this healthy living!

I also received my copy of Kerri Arista's new cd and I love it! In addition to being a wonderful blogger, she is an amazing musician/artist and it is such a treat to hold in my hands the work of someone I know (well, kinda know from my cyber life.)

Meanwhile, I am totally immersed into DEEP/Fearless Painting and just blown away by how profoundly amazing and inspiring the course, the participants and our divine miss Connie all are. I find myself jumping out of bed, ready to dive into the work, the course material and just marinate in all the juicy goodness. I am living right now constantly covered in goosebumps, heart pounding, mind racing. It is such a gift to be in exactly the right place at the right time and recognize that fact. It may be cold and snowy outside, but I think the next six weeks will be pretty colorful around here.

So I say, bring on the snow!

this is The Husband's snow outfit which he had me try out

wednesday pause

Slowly easing back into things ...

january 4 & 5 selfies:

total geek, i know ... matching hats made over the break

polaroids:

The Impossible Project's PUSH color film ... so far, my images come out magneta

artcards:

actually a ATC (i have been mailing a piece of art out every week - snail mail rules!)

and taking time for reflecting:








Not bad for a first week back.

How about you? How's the new year treating you so far?

Monday Inspiration Celebration: a new year

Egads! My first post of the New Year and I wish I could say I had a little more oomph about me. Today was my first day back at work meaning I had to set the alarm and actually get moving to get myself and Cowgirl - who also started back to school today - out the door in a timely manner (or more precisely, our usual promptly late manner.). To make the day even better, I had my yearly appointment with "the lady doctor" as my mother says AND a visit to the boob smashing machine. Seriously ... having parts of your anatomy smooshed flatter than a pancake does not seem like modern medicine. I also had to have blood drawn and only after years of advanced yogic practices, invoking complicated methods of concentration generally reserved for 6 year olds playing Plants Versus Zombies on the computer, am I able to withstand the procedure without going completely white and needing to lie down. All of this before the gentle poking and prodding of said Lady Doctor (who is a nice lady and a great doctor.)




But I digress. I guess I am just feeling a tad bogged down energetically even though I am truly excited for this new year and the return to my usual pursuits. DEEP begins in one week and I am surveying my paint collection to see what I might want to have on hand. Over the break I painting pretty much every day in an effort to complete my entry for The Sketchbook Project. Four spreads and the cover to go. What I have learned from this project is I no longer fear the blank page. I've discovered instead of letting my mind churn over what it is I want to paint, I just start painting and let the work tell me what it wants to be. I am actually enjoying the process of painting my way out of dead ends: what seems like a mistake one moment, forces me to dig in deeper and try something new in a effort to transform messes into new ideas, new insights. It seems a bit like rock climbing: I cannot see the route I will take and have to rely upon moment-by-moment decisions to move me forward. And sometimes I have to backtrack to find a new course.






I've also learned to act when I have an idea or inspiration. I used to file the idea away, thinking a later time will be better to start or that I need to finish what I am doing presently before beginning a new piece. Now I have multiple projects in process and if something is speaking to me, I know it is best to give it all my attention while the inspiration is strong. Often those little bursts of creative juice carry over into the other on-going projects and infuse them with new life.

So I guess I am still reflecting upon where I have traveled in the past year in preparation for the journey ahead. I feel like I am on the threshold of a new adventure and am gathering all the things I will need to carry me forward. Now is the time to take stock of what it is I carry in my emotional/creative backpack and toss out what is unnecessary weight. As in any journey, the essential item is a positive attitude and an enthusiastic spirit.

What inspired me in the past few days:

this sea turtle had been sick and this was the first time we saw him actually swimming and not asleep at the bottom of the tank

A trip to the zoo to see the new Cheetah cubs who decided to take their naps when we arrived. It is exciting though as there are 4 new cubs and apparently it is unusual for cheetahs to reproduce in a zoo setting. Doubly exciting is the fact that for the past month Cowgirl has been referring to herself as a Cheetah baby, purring and snarling in a cub-like manner.










I received a number of inspiring photography books for Christmas which had me taking my camera out a bit more in recent days. I was pondering another 365 self portrait project and had almost decided it was just too much of "me" to handle for another year. Then I read this beautiful passage by Andrea Scher:

"... I believe wholeheartedly that seeing ourselves as we really are, through our own lens, is a rare gift we can give to ourselves. A gift of self-acknowledgement, of self-care, of truth and ultimately, of healing." (from Expressive Photography)






I'm in. Care to join me?

(I'm also taking the self paced the art of textures course offered by Kim Klassen. I learned so much from her Photoshop Skinny Mini course, it was a no-brainer to jump abroad and I believe a few spaces are still left.)

me by Cowgirl

I also continue to photograph my muse - remembering to capture those moments that I know will all too quickly pass. And while at times I worry I am being labeled as one of those photographers (just like I am one of those mommy bloggers - a fact I am proud to claim) I also know deep, deep in my soul that celebrating her life is also a confirmation and celebration of my own. Being trusted by her to be her mother has healed me on levels I have yet to explore. And creating with her and for her has opened up spaces inside of me I never would have imagined possible.










Yes, I think it's going to be a pretty amazing year. Colorful anyway. And well-documented I'm sure.

december 31 - lessons learned

I have been a tad out of the loop these past two weeks ... or maybe it has been the last couple of months? I am finding it surreal to realize Christmas has come and gone (indeed, even the holiday decorations have been put away already) and I have little sense of it. Maybe things were a little too smooth? I did not find myself frantically shopping at the last minute and perhaps that level of holiday madness is what brings the season into high relief for me?

Or maybe it is just the usual end of year popping my head out of my hole and wondering a la the Talking Heads song: How did I get here?

Indeed, it has been a long, strange trip ... in a good sense. For this past year was my year of living with the intention of Fearlessness and Connection guiding me. Now is the place where I would recount all that evolved from that intention, but you already know, don't you? Instead, I am thinking about what I've learned about being fearless: that it is not about abolishing fears or doubts, but rather not letting fear freeze or disable me. When fear takes over, there is the natural tendency to make like a rabbit and be absolutely still. It is not a stillness where one is completely present; it is being frozen or stuck in a moment, in a emotion.





The antidote to this is to move, to take action. I've discovered I can experience fear but I can override the tendency to shut down. Some days it is just putting one sentence down in my journal. Or getting up from the chair and moving to my art table, sewing machine or yoga room. It is using action to distract my mind from its tendency to spin wild tales of humiliation and woe. And it is recognizing that to act and possibly fail is still far better than to do nothing and wonder "what if?"

I am reminded of a story told by Marisa Haedike's husband, Sean Hogan during their course April In Paris. Sean shared an experience he had as a kid when the coach for his sports team (was it baseball? Or basketball? I cannot remember) kept him on the bench, never letting him play in the game. His team lost and the other players were complaining about the game when Sean said "yeah, but at least you got to play!"

This year was my year to get myself off the bench and into the game. This year was the year of playing, of practicing, of doing, of taking action and reaching out to others to share that experience.





I wrote the following for a Wishstudio guest piece and it is my big A-Ha for the year (so forgive me the arrogance of quoting myself):

We all need to feel connected; to know who we are matters to another, and that what we do or say has value and meaning. I realize that all I do as a mother, as an artist, as a yogi and a teacher revolves around that essential need. In my life, I am coming to know this truth: that my story counts. By sharing my experience, I help to shine light upon your journey. And by encouraging others to share their truth, we come to understand our essential unity. That is, we come to know ourselves as lovable and loving. And in that space, we are unstoppable, anything is possible and we are fearless in our quest to better our world.

Cheetah babies

A perfect seque into repeating my word for 2011 is Shine. Years ago, my spiritual sister told me "you are totally unaware of the Light that you are." She has said this to me on more than one occasion. After a year of fearlessness, I am better aware of that light. I used to think it was easier for me to appreciate the light - the gifts - of others rather than my own; but I recognize now that if I cannot see my own light, I cannot fully see that of another. When I live with my heart wide open, loving, forgiving and accepting myself, the glow of Love shines forth from me. With that light, I am able to see the beauty and the light of others undistorted and unaffected by my needs or wounds.

I am excited for this New Year. I am ready to let myself Shine. And I am taking the lessons of the previous year - to continue to create, act, move everyday - and utilizing them to help me keep that light bright and glowing. One brushstroke, one photograph, one row of knitting serving to keep the fires alive and burning.

Lord Shiva, help us let go of the old; Lord Ganesha, help us move into the New.

Goodbye 2010 - you were a great year. Hello 2011. I am looking forward to spending time in you.

And for no apparent reason other than this is my mood - I feel the need to end the year with a little ukuele, George Harrison and a man in a gnome hat. Enjoy!

Monday Inspiration Celebration: holiday edition

If ever there was a week when inspiration was desperately needed, it was this past holiday weekend! At times it felt like the Grinch was trying to steal my Christmas, but thanks to so many creative and generous angels out there, Christmas spirit persevered here in Whoville and a merry time was had by almost all.

Okay, so a quick laundry list: after eating a boot, a slipper, a holiday ornament AND most offensive of all, the leather cover to one of my art journals, I declared Moose dog was not fit and took him in for more extensive (read: expensive) diagnostic testing. As I was waiting for the vet to call, it occurred to me that the recent rash of leather-binging had transpired in the two week period since he had been on medication to reduce inflammation in his stomach. Bingo! If ever EVER a doctor or veterinary wants to prescribe prednisone be very very wary! Basically, we were living with Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in canine form. We are attempting to reduce his medication but in the meanwhile he cannot be left unattended. I mean, I had nothing better to do in the days leading up to Christmas, right?

Then the Husband went down Christmas eve and he went down hard. The highlight of our family dinner was Cowgirl running downstairs and shouting "Daddy threw up ... on the floor!" If you need a way to clear out party guests, you might try that line. Guaranteed to work.

So Christmas day was a quiet affair with a trip to the 24 hour Walgreens, removing the sockings which were filled with food products every time I had to leave the house and make sure no shoes were lying about ... thank goodness for chocolate and alcohol!





And in spite of all this, Cowgirl declared this holiday to be the best one yet! I have to agree. Crazy as the weekend was, so many have come out in support of my video entry for the Ford Global Challenge and Half the Sky Foundation and I am sitting here stunned by the generosity of so many. Thank you seems so small and so I am bestowing Angel status upon these shining souls who truly light up my world:

First there is Karen who has been drumming so much support on Facebook for me as she continues to cheer me on in emails and messages;

Connie for her continual support of all of my creative endeavors. This month she has been running feature pieces on all the artists who have participated in Fearless painting and today is my turn. And in my hour of need, she put out a special post to inform her readers about the Global Challenge.

book and card by Marisa Haedike of Creative Thursday

Marisa - whose book "Who are you going to be today Olive?" is all about being oneself and knowing that we each are special and have gifts to share (Cowgirl loves it!) - blew me away with her blog post for me about Half the Sky;

Mindy of Wishstudio immediately and enthusiastically replied to my email with an offer for me to write something for her blog this (I will keep you all posted!) Do check out her amazing giveaway of three scrumptious package sets of beautiful goodies sure to ease the transition into the New Year.

There are so many more angels in my life - indeed the air around me is churned up by the beating of all those wings - please know each and every one of you who has reached out to me via email, snail mail (oh my, YES! I am loving the mail!),or a comment or on Facebook has truly touched my heart and encouraged me to continue on.

And now for the visual inspiration from the previous week!






A beautiful postcard from Kristen in honor of us both declaring our intention for 2011 is to Shine!






This beautiful calendar by Sarah Ahearn which will provide me with a year's worth of inspiration;







Cowgirl's art - a new box the fairies gave her for Christmas (I figure if she is going to become a hoarder, at least she can hoard in style!)

And the best holiday gift of them all -






Made by Cowgirl at school, a tile depicting our family (sorry for the Photoshop blur of our name) and best of all, she gave us all bodies!

We all have the week off to recover and art projects abound so we are ringing out the old year and ringing in the new in an arty way. Hopefully I can return to the master bedroom after 3 nights in the guest room, although this morning's wake up call makes me want to linger a few nights more: I heard the door open and a little voice call out "where are my cuddles?!"

Now it is your turn: do tell, was Santa good to you this year?

Note by Kristen Walker

(Shameless plug: This is the final week for voting for my video over on the Ford Focus Facebook page. I have a chance to win $10k for an incredible charity and so far I have over a hundred votes! You can vote everyday, so if you like my piece and want to support Half the Sky Foundation, please take a moment to pop over and vote ... and then vote again tomorrow!)

Holiday Wishes

Warmest wishes for all this holiday season and beyond. May we all be surrounded by love and comfort and know Peace in this lifetime.





With love and gratitude ♥




xo Lis, Cowgirl, Moose & The Husband

Cowgirl found a loose tooth on Christmas Eve!

Monday Inspiration Celebration - Help me Dream Big (please vote!)

Okay, so there is mania and then there is true mania! As if the holiday season isn't jam packed as it is, I decided to create a video for the Ford Focus Global Drive being run on Facebook. (Yes, I know ... the irony of having to return to Facebook after my recent rants does not escape my attention.) The campaign is to show what I would do with $10,000 for a charity of my choice and why I want to be selected to test drive the new Ford Focus - get this - in Spain!

So casting aside all thoughts of sanity, dismissing rational theories about the nature of time (yeah, I am seriously trying to bend time to my will over here) I decided to make a video over the weekend. Totally doable, right? Add to that I was hosting a holiday party and needed to finish 6 sewing projects (I finished 4) and get stuff mailed (gifts, not the holiday cards I shot and processed in 2 days), I was being totally sane, right?

Did I mention the deadline for video submission and voting is December 31? No stress here.

Okay, it was doable but here is the part where I need all the help I can get: I need to generate votes on the Ford Focus Facebook page. While I have no idea about my chances of actually winning, my hope is to use this project as a sign of my sincerity to my charity, Half the Sky Foundation. You may recall, last summer Cowgirl and I participated in an Art A-Thon for Half the Sky and we raised $900 through our collaborative paintings. The mission of Half the Sky Foundation is to provide individual care and stimulation for the children living in Chinese welfare centers. Their stated goal is "to ensure every one of China's orphans has a caring adult in her life." To date, their programs have impacted the lives of 40,000 children.

I now have a new idea for a project with Half the Sky involving older children and photography and they are interested in my idea. But this program will require money to be raised. So I have to figure out this whole fund raising/grant writing process and success with the Ford Global Challenge would only enhance my credibility.

So here's where I need you my dear friends. If you are on Facebook, here is the link to my video on their campaign page: Nurturing Dreams. You will need to "like" the Ford Focus page first and then you can see my video and vote. Please remember to vote "Love It" and then, if possible, spread the word to your Facebook or blogging buddies. The more, the merrier. Feel free to link to this post or the Facebook page.





And leave me a comment here or on the video page because I could use a little nurturing love myself to get me through the rest of my projects!