My Peacetree

New Horizons

2012-01-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Links mentioned:

You Have Permission - beautiful blog post by Goddess Leonie
Goddess Leonie's twitter: @GoddessLeonie (or click here)
My blog post: Healing with Love

Wishing you a beautiful, beautiful day, my sweets.

Celebrating Silvester

2011-12-31T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hello, dear friends, and happy New Year's Eve!

I am in Germany, spending some time with my Lovely - and tonight, celebrating the arrival of the new year, called 'Silvester' in German - before I begin classes here in a little over a week. My absence on the blog was unplanned; December has been a whirlwind of traveling, friends and family, visits, gifts, errands, and preparations for my study abroad. In addition, the very first weekend after the end of the semester, I left my poor camera in a cab. I called many times, but haven't gotten it back, nor do I expect to. I feel so lost without it, as if part of my artistic voice is missing. I am incredibly grateful that with my Christmas money and some help from my dad I will be getting a used one soon. I am so blessed.

2012 is just a few hours away. I have been reflecting this month on what 2011 has brought me: healing, growth, relief, tears, suffering, inspiration, excitement, understanding, and a realization of both my limitations and my potential. This has been a breakthrough year for me, and I am confident that I am on the right path headed into a beautiful future. I am coming into my own Self, and I am humbled and grateful for all that I have encountered, experienced, and gained.

I have chosen my new word for the year: expand. When I say it aloud or in my mind, I envision the Universe expanding at unbelievable speeds into new corners of undiscovered space, filling the darkness with light and dance and wonder. I hope that for the next year, I will continue to grow spiritually and creatively, and will dream grander than ever. I hope to fill the world with light and magic as best I can.

Have you chosen a word to focus on through the coming months? What are you celebrating or mourning right now? How will you be celebrating the new year? What dreams are you envisioning for yourself? How will you celebrate the evening?

Wishing you the very best for all that is to come.
All my love!

Dreams of Things to Come

2011-12-01T12:41:00.000-05:00

December already? Where has the year gone?

I sit here in the library, knowing I should be preparing for end of semester exams and putting together long papers, but my attention is elsewhere. I am reflecting on the year that is now nearly behind us: my creative projects, my goals, my disappointments, my steps forward. I think about how far I have come in just twelve months.

And I dream about the future, too, and what it will hold: several months spent abroad, the end of my time at 21 Secrets, new ideas and projects, a final year at university. I look beyond 2012 – the real world looms, full of possibility and opportunity. What is it that I want to do with my life? What am I most passionate about? What steps can I take to bring these dreams to life? What is it that I want to bring to the world?

Soon, too, I will choose a new word of the year. In 2010 it was emerge; in 2011, honesty. This little task of choosing a single word or phrase to represent my goals, dreams, and hopes for the new year has been enlightening, and I believe that it does have an effect on the journey I take throughout the following days and months. Will you choose a word this year?

While I don't much care for the dark and chill of the winter months, I do love the reflection and stillness that December brings. It gives me time to pause and make wishes (and plans) for the next chapters of my life. The New Year is magical, too, offering a world of possibilities of the most scrumptious, adventurous, enchanting kind. There is so much beauty in the world! Life is such a gift!

Happy, happy December, my dear friends!

Random Assortment

2011-11-28T16:52:00.001-05:00

New journal currently listed for sale.

Hello again, friends!

I am in a dreamy state of mind today, my thoughts scattered. I have a long to do list and many tidbits to share - like the fact that I left my poor camera at home and we won't be reunited until Christmas break.

Oh yes, and Thanksgiving. The holiday snuck up on me, and only now I'm left looking back on all the wonderful things that have happened this year for which I am so incredibly grateful, for the good in my life and those incredible things to come. A short list of gratitude:

My family. Words can't express how much I love them.
My sweet boyfriend, who has been so patient and supportive this year, even from thousands of miles away.
Learning, if slowly, how to reach out for help when it is most needed.
Art journaling. I'll need a new book soon.
Plans to study abroad in Germany this spring and summer. The plane ticket has been bought; I will see my love in just thirty days!
A new warm winter coat.
A full belly, a roof over my head, and clean water to drink.

I am so incredibly blessed.

Other news comes to mind, too, like newly listed prints and a journal in my Etsy shop. Last night I made three mini journals – like my own here – and have a button to sew onto a new leather journal I've made, but without my Nikon I don't know when they will be listed for sale.

And lastly I wanted to share with you a new word I've discovered, one that rolls from the tongue like a laughing brook: quiddity. It means "the inherent nature or essence". What a lovely thought!

Wishing you a magnificent week, loves.

P.S. Check out my Be Inspired page to find the most recent art journal blogs I've discovered. This one is my current favorite!

Easy Peasy Collage

2011-11-21T15:28:00.001-05:00

One of my long-time readers Erica recently requested a video of my collaging technique. Here it is, lovely: quick and hopefully enlightening! Collaging is simple, meditative, and fantastic for starting a textured base layer or for adding detail on top of paint. It requires no special materials and takes just a moment of your time, too; before I edited it, this video was just over twelve minutes long.

Having been on my own art journaling journey for several years, I often lose sight of what might be helpful to share with beginner journalists. If you have any suggestions or requests, I'd love to hear them! What techniques are you unsure about or would like to learn about (or learn more about)? You can write me here or by sending me an email at mypeacetree2 (at) gmail (dot) com, and you can submit anonymous questions here.

All my love!

White Collage / Learning Balance

2011-11-08T17:51:00.002-05:00

"You may not be a Picasso or Mozart but you don't have to be. Just create to create. Create to remind yourself you're still alive. Make stuff to inspire others to make something, too. Create to learn a bit more about yourself." - Frederick Terral

For the past few months I have been submerged in a rushing torrent of academic work, struggling against a current so strong I had no time to breathe, sleep, create, or in fact do my best in classes. I found the strength last week - with much help, especially from my dear brother - to let go of a class in which I was doing fairly well academically but which was severely draining me mentally. And, just like that, I find that I am lighter, happier, and have once again found the time to take care of myself and create.

It's a hard lesson learned; I am fiercely dedicated to things to which I commit, and backing out always feels like I am admitting failure. Yet, while perseverance is in many cases seen as a positive trait, neglecting to give yourself what you need is not.

I am on a quest for balance - balance of emotions, in giving and receiving, of selflessness and selfishness. I am learning, slowly, when to say no, and how feel less guilty in acknowledging that I deserve rest, love, and joy. So, today I forced (yep, forced) myself to turn off the computer and phone and paint for an hour. I created the spread above, a collage of papers and gesso and candy wrappers. And I felt lighter, and happier, and that I was taking care of myself.

And I will continue to practice gentleness with me, starting again tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that. This, darlings, is a journey of healing through art and self compassion.

What could you do to show yourself kindness?

Love Note to You

2011-11-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

Everything, love, is going to be alright.

In spite of all the loneliness, the horrible days, the darkness, and the tears,
In spite of the hopelessness and the anger and frustration, the feeling of being
misunderstood and unloved,
In spite of your gremlins whispering to you in the dark,
In spite of the heartbreak and uncertainty and hopelessness -

Everything is going to be alright.

You are loved. You are radiant, bright as the moon, glowing from the inside out. You are wanted, deeply; needed, important, essential, irreplaceable, magnificent. You have so much to give to the world.

You are loved - loved for every single fragile part of your whole, spectacular, captivating, deep, beautiful being.

Creative Education

2011-10-23T16:04:00.001-04:00

I was going to wait until tomorrow to post this, but the excitement was too much.

Have you seen this? Sir Ken Robinson, PhD, is one of the world's leading proponents of creativity and imagination in schools. I came across another TED Talk he gave (here) some time ago, and was hugely inspired by his dreams for the future.

I realized just today that the lethargy and frustration I've been experiencing in school since the very beginning of high school and up to this very moment is due to my disinterest in what is being taught. Yes, there are classes here and there that completely captivate my attention, but they are few and far between. The last one I was exceptionally interested in was my playwriting class in the fall of last year. I so wish I could take more creative classes, but my status as a transfer student limits the flexibility in my schedule to graduation.

I have always been interested in art and working with children. As the years pass, I find that my resolution to do what I can to change a failing education system and follow my heart toward an artistic career are growing stronger; excitingly, my discovery of art journaling, passion for creativity, and my growing knowledge of and indignation at the consequences of inequality in education opportunities are not incompatible. My passion for these, however, is causing me to be ever eager to leave university and do something instead of simply reading about it.

Education is so important, my lovelies; so too is creativity. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the successes and failures of education in your own lives and how creativity has affected you - whether you were told you were never going to be an artist, you found yourself through art, or (is it possible?) you never gave it a second thought.

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." /Albert Einstein

More resources:

Waldorf Schools - educating the head, heart, and hands
Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative (book)
The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (book)

Hodge Podge

2011-10-22T14:56:00.001-04:00

I have been working on this self portrait for a little over a week. I can't decide if it really looks like me or not, and keep opening my art journal to add just a highlight or a shadow and end up changing a large part of it. The eyes are the most difficult to capture, I find; they really do seem to hold the soul of a person, even on paper.

I've been having quite a semester - I realized too late that I have completely overcommitted myself and that my capacity to do all of the things I initially said "yes" to is limited. I am tired and stressed and find that I have no time to do the things I love to do: read, paint, write, take photographs, blog. This is a clear message that I need to have realistic expectations of myself and that learning to say "no" is just as important as, say, eating well. My goodness, though, how hard that is!

Over the past few months I have been thinking about many big concepts and questions, the stuff of Plato and Aristotle. I wonder about what it means to be human, really - what our responsibilities and our gifts are, what it means to be a conscious being, and the relationships between the wealthy and the poor, affluent and struggling countries, and conflict and peace. There is so much suffering in the world, and I realize more and more every day how incredibly blessed I am to have the opportunities I do. You are blessed, too, dearest.

---

Check out this good stuff:

Goddess Leonie's brand new book! I just bought a copy and reading it is like a dear friend whispering beautiful, kind things to me. It's only $10 for the next few weeks!
Have you signed up for the Sketchbook Project yet? I won't be participating in it this year due to my schedule, but I think you should take part and have your sketchbook tour the country!

Photo a Day: The Conclusion

2011-10-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

Day 29 / July 29, 2011

Day 30 / July 30, 2011

Day 31 / July 31, 2011

I promised this post more than two months ago: the wrap-up to the photo-a-day project I did during the month of July. This self imposed challenge was wonderful, a perfect formula of ease and a doable length of time. I highly suggest you give it a try!

See week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4.

Here is what I learned:

I am not one to follow through on projects. While my initial enthusiasm is enormous, my focus soon wanes and I move on to new things.
That being said, shorter or smaller projects are much more likely to get finished. (And I am so proud of myself when I do finish!)
Taking a photo a day made me to really pay attention: what is beautiful? What is unique? What is memorable? It was a welcomed awareness.
Time passes very, very quickly. Often it would be twilight before I had remembered to take my photo.
I am a very picky photographer. I may take scores of photos, and truly like only one.
As the weeks went on, it became more and more challenging to take photos that weren't repetitive: there are only so many unique shots one can take of flowers or the sky!
The final collection of photos is one that I am proud of, with the exception of the second day. The blurriness was not something I had realized before it became too dark to replace it.
The very last photo (seen above) is my favorite of all, I think. Its simplicity, softness, stillness, and shades of summery green are magical. It is of drops of water from the sprinkler. Which, of all of them, do you like best?

I would certainly consider doing a photo-a-day for a month again, perhaps in a new season. For my next project? I'd love to try taking a photo-an-hour for one day.

Thanks so much for joining me throughout this journey, my loves. If you begin your own thirty or thirty-one day challenge, please leave a link in the comments!

The Crazy Ones

2011-10-10T07:00:00.001-04:00

Stand out. Try something new. Take a risk. Ask questions. Dream, explore, and create. Be you, press ever onward, and change the world.

Journal Flip

2011-10-08T11:09:00.001-04:00

Music: All of Me by Billie Holiday

I woke up this morning to warm rays of sunlight streaming through the window. That's my very favorite: when I can start the day slowly, reveling in the quiet of the morning and the beauty of the world, and can fully experience the transition from the world of dreams to the world of life.

It's been the busiest semester yet, and I am so grateful to be enjoying a three day weekend - plenty of time to catch up on sleep, get lots of work done, paint, and even create the little video above. Many of the pages in my journal are in progress, unfinished, but I like the idea of recording the changes that will occur over the next months. Enjoy!

Wishing you sunshine, stillness, and inspiration this weekend!
All my love,

PS. A very happy birthday to my dear mama, too!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-02T22:53:00.002-04:00

And the winner of the My Memories digital art software is...

Congratulations, Christa! You'll receive an email soon with all the details.

And thanks so much, too, for all the lovelies who entered. I truly appreciate it! Remember, My Peacetree readers get a $10 discount when buying the My Memories Suite software! Just enter the code STMMMS34177 when completing your purchase. You'll also get a $10 coupon for the online store, which is filled with digital packages for as low as $0.99!

A small note: While there were fourteen comments to the giveaway, one was a reader submitting an email correction; the actual number of entries was thirteen, thus the range of 1-13 listed above.

Note to Self

2011-09-30T00:00:00.008-04:00

Happy, happy Friday! I wonder if it's been as crazy a week for you as it has been for me? I can nearly hear the days wooshing by, and last week already feels like it happened years ago. And it's almost October - really? How in the world did that happen?!

I hope you're planning exciting and wondrous and lovely adventures (or perhaps comfy, sleepy, restful days) this weekend. I'm looking forward to catching up on schoolwork, putting together some packages to ship out, painting, and sleeping.

Two important announcements for you today, lovelies:

Today is the very, very last day to sign up for 21 SECRETS. This is the last chance for you to take part in an incredible community of hundreds of artists teaching and learning from one another; last chance for you to take part in twenty one original online art workshops and learn countless new techniques, projects, prompts, and inspirations from twenty one amazing teachers. At 12:00 tonight, 21 SECRETS registration is closed for good, but the magic will continue behind closed doors until the New Year - you will be registering to take part in three more months of exploration, discovery, and magic.

Please consider joining in on an experience that will leave you breathless with creative energy, amazing insights, and new friends around the world. There is a special price - only $49.99 - for the rest of the day. Click here to read more about each workshop (including my own!) and to register.

A spread made in the process of creating my 21 SECRETS

workshop, "Beautiful You, Radiant You."

Today is also the last day of my giveaway! Enter by midnight tonight to win a completely free and totally scrumptious digital art program from MyMemories. Check out more details here! I'll pick a winner sometime this weekend.

And a bonus announcement: Connie Hozvicka is going to be a mama! She is the owner of Dirty Footprints Studio, the founder of the 21 SECRETS, Big, Inner Breath, and Deep workshops, and is one of the most incredible, deeply kind, women I have ever come to know. She glows from the inside out. And she's going to be such a wonderful mother to a very luck little one. Won't you go wish her a big congratulations and send her some love?

Have a marvelous weekend, friends, and happy Michaelmas!

Featured Artist: Aimee of Artsyville

2011-09-28T00:24:00.000-04:00

Oh no! I've just realized that I haven't yet posted on the most fabulous Aimee of Artsyville! She is an incredible woman and artist, and I'm so glad that I noticed my mistake in time to share her loveliness here before 21 Secrets registration closes in just a few days.

You see, Aimee is teaching a workshop there – did you know it's all online? – called 3 Little Words; it's bursting with writing prompts and fun and creative exercises with words intended to inspire your art journal pages!

And just because I love you all so much (okay, it's really because Connie loves you all so much), there's extra delicious news: from now until this Friday, 21 Secrets is discounted to a very special price of $49.99! Hurry up, lovelies - at 11:59 on September 30, registration will be closed for good. Click here for more information and to register!

Aimee is a mastermind at lettering, creating beautiful and inspirational messages, and creating gorgeous, rich, colorful backgrounds. She has been published in many places, including several art journaling books and in Art Journaling magazine. I would love to get a poster of her work to frame on my wall! This one would be perfect, I think.

Won't you go pay Aimee a visit? You can find her at her blog, Artsyville; be sure to check out all the colorful goodness in her Etsy shop, too. And do have a look at 21 Secrets - there is so much wonderful inspiration and creativity happening there, with twenty one online workshops about art and art journaling from twenty one fabulous teachers, including yours truly!

Here is that link to registration once again.

Wonderful, Silly, Amazing Life

2011-09-25T12:51:00.000-04:00

Colored leaves, autumn 2010.

Last Tuesday evening, I was in a car accident. I remember the headlights coming straight towards me, growing alarmingly larger.

Miraculously, I'm not seriously injured. I walked away with a small scrape and several bruises, but the reality of it is that I was quite literally two feet away from death: the car crashed into the front right wheel well, a very short distance from where I was sitting in the front passenger seat.

It is this thought that is slowly growing to recognition in my mind – how by such narrow margins I'm walking, talking, and breathing today – and, to be honest, it's incredibly difficult to wrap my head around. I've lost two close friends in the past few years, and another sweet friend recently had her own awakening to mortality. I am finding that I am more deeply saddened by these experiences than my own, and this surprises me.

Life is a funny thing. We grow so comfortable in our bodies and with the tiny details in our lives: the routine of coffee in the morning, the uncertainty of picking out the perfect outfit for a night out, the hustle to finish a project before a deadline. These little things become so important to us and often become the main focus of our lives; it's so easy to forget how enormous the Universe is and how beautiful the world is.

We forget to enjoy food, music, and art as if it were the first time we were experiencing it. We forget how incredibly lucky we are to be here, experiencing this: with all its ups and downs, bad hair days, sadnesses and sufferings and mistakes, life is a grand adventure, filled with the most amazing things and the most lovely people.

Our mere existence is more wondrous than we could ever imagine.

Today I invite you to look at the world with new eyes and consider, no matter your circumstances, how magnificent it is to be alive.

PS. There are lots of giveaways going on right now! Check out Natty's 300th post celebration, iHanna's Raw Journaling giveaway, and my digital art software giveaway! Also, 21 Secrets registration is open for just one more week – last chance to sign up!

Giveaway! My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software

2011-09-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

My goodness, lovelies, but I've been busy! This week especially has been particularly insane, bursting at the seams with deadlines and assignments and places to be. I haven't had the time to sit down and paint for a while, and hope that this next week I'll find an hour here and there to sink into the pages of my art journal.

I did, though, create the digital collage above! I used a program called My Memories; it's actually intended for scrapbooking, but the possibilities really are endless, with hundreds of papers, embellishments, textures, shapes, graphics, photo options, and more. And guess what? I'm giving away one free My Memories Suite software package!

(Please note that I turn down quite a few offers for payment for promotion of websites and products because they are not right for this blog. This software is something I truly like and I hope will be fun and inspirational to you as well!)

This software is incredibly simple to use, and offers great control over placement, color, size, shapes, layering, et cetera. It's ranked #1 on Amazon! In addition to creating scrapbook layouts, you can put together photobooks, cards, and calendars to share. I'd also really love to try:

Printing out a finished "collage" (or several!) and using it in my physical art journal.
Making custom pages and using them as background collage material in my art.
Starting a collage on the computer and completing it by hand, adding details and doodles.
Creating a book and then painting on its pages, using it as an art journal.

You could use this program to explore a certain theme or idea before expanding on it in your own journal, too. Like I said - so many possibilities!

Onward – to the giveaway!

Rules for entry:

1. Check out the My Memories website and leave a comment on this post about favorite digital paper pack or layout!
2. For additional entries, spread the word! Tweet about this giveaway, like My Memories on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter; and be sure to leave a separate comment here for each action taken!
3. Please (please, please, please!) include an email address in each entry. If you do not, your entry will not be counted.
4. I will pick a winner randomly on Friday, September 30th and announce it on the blog. The winner will be emailed all the details on how to claim their prize!

Be sure to check out their blog, too. And finally, My Peacetree readers are being offered a special discount code for purchasing the My Memories Suite software! It has no expiration date and can be used again and again. Enter STMMMS34177 when completing your purchase, and you'll get a $10 discount plus a $10 coupon for the My Memories store!

Good luck, loves!

The Wholehearted

2011-09-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

I recently found this beautiful video from fellow blogger Brené Brown. The things she addresses here – vulnerability, shame, courage, and worthiness – are very close to my heart, expressed in part in this post last month.
Sending so much love to you this weekend.

It's in the Details

2011-09-04T21:59:00.000-04:00

In the midst of all the newness of starting another academic term, I've managed to find some time to work in my art journal. Admittedly, part of this has to do with the fact that the library was closed for several days and I was waiting for my new computer to be delivered – there were few things to do!

I love how this spread turned out: it's brightly colored and full of fun details. It became a tribute to the summer, with its warmth, adventure, and sun-filled days. And the flap below? In July my silly brother decided to do a flip into the swimming pool and cracked his forehead open with his knee. I'm not quite sure how it happened. (Don't you worry, he has completely healed!)

I don't often do themed journal pages; I'm more inclined to follow my instinct and play with layers, colors, and texture as I go. It's such fun, though, to break away from the familiar and delve into an unexplored technique. Do you often use themed prompts to guide a journal spread?

Check out more photos here.

Mini Journal: The End!

2011-09-01T22:23:00.001-04:00

Hello, loves! I have been computerless for the past week, waiting for a nearly brand new Mac to make its way to me, its delivery waylaid by hurricane Irene. Soon! I am looking forward to sharing new posts with you soon, but in the meantime, here is the wrap-up of my self-made collage book, put together a few weeks ago. Hope you're doing splendidly!

I have a special place in my heart for small journals. Here are the last pages of my smallest art journal yet, created and filled in the UK several years ago. (See parts one and two.) The raven in the second to last photo was a gift from the amazing Violette, who is teaching at 21 Secrets with me!

The end!

Autumn's Approach

2011-08-25T21:35:00.002-04:00

Sparks from a summer campfire.

Hello, darlings!

Thank you so, so much for such beautiful, kind, shining responses to my last post. They made me a bit weepy and caused my heart to overflow with gratitude and love. I am so blessed to know such an incredible group of people!

It's been a busy week, as I've been preparing to move back to campus in just a few days. Classes begin on Monday, and then begins a landslide of deadlines, research, sleep deprivation, and general intensity. While I'm looking forward to cooler nights and the trees put on their annual fiery display, I will miss so much about summer: bare feet, glowing skin kissed by the sun, diving into a cool swimming pool, the hum of cicadas and katydids in the warm night, and regular blogging.

Last winter I did my best to keep up My Peacetree in the midst of my academic year, but time flies so quickly when there are endless papers to write and articles to read that my posts were sparse. I must be honest with myself and see that the possibility of this happening again is not unrealistic.

I love so much about this space: the presence of beautiful, creative, kind people; discovery, exploration, and growth in so many spheres; a place to share my artistic journey and to hear from others on the same path. I love connecting, creating, dreaming, photographing, musing, celebrating, overcoming, learning, and stretching. I love this space so dearly, just as I love each and every one of you who help to make this incredible community.

While the next few months seem daunting at the moment, I will do my best to find moments here and there to share all that's happening in my world. I have a few posts already written, and if you are interested in doing a guest post, I'd love to hear your ideas! You can contact me here or send me an email at mypeacetree2 (at) gmail (dot) com. Woohoo!

Oh yes, and happy Friday! What deliciousness are you up to this weekend?

Truest Truth

2011-08-17T16:45:00.001-04:00

It's been a very long time since I had the courage to write anything truly personal here. As I've hinted at before, this year has been an achingly difficult one, and I have had to endure some incredibly difficult situations that have ripped open excruciatingly painful wounds from the past, particularly from my childhood. The truth of it all is that I can't – even for myself – find the words to express or sort through the emotional responses to this year.

I hope one day to be able to share without reservation my experiences in order to help those in similar circumstances, but today the pain is too raw and close, and words fail me.

We all have been in the midst of difficult situations – every last one of us. We are human, after all, and life is made of challenges to be overcome. Along the way we learn things, messages introduced when battling obstacles. In good moments, we tell ourselves that we are strong and resilient; in moments of fear or disappointment we whisper negative things to ourselves, words like "failure" and "incompetent". And the funny thing is that, the longer we tell ourselves these unhappy things, the more firmly we come to believe it, regardless of whether or not it was ever true.

What have you been telling yourself, love? On my worst days, I find myself believing that I am stupid, unappreciated, invisible, and completely alone. I have felt guilty and angry and ashamed and unloveable. And I have cried many, many tears.

The reason I'm sharing this today is that I believe I am not alone in this inner struggle. This world can be harsh sometimes, and, I think, often leads us to think that if we are not perfect – if we are not skinny, tall, tan, young, brown-eyed, blue-eyed, or green-eyed enough; if we can't paint like Rembrandt or van Gogh; if we aren't that blogger who posts every other day with stories from an impossibly perfect life; if we don't have smooth, glowing skin; if we can't find love; if we have bad hair days; if we have troubles and concerns and worries – if we aren't perfect enough, then we're not good enough.

If you, sweet reader, have been struggling silently with these doubts about your own worth, I have a message for you, one that is far greater than any negative whisper you have ever told yourself. This message doesn't come from me, but from all the love that makes up this beautiful Universe, something eternal and ever present, something that speaks only truth. It's a message just for you, darling.

You are loved.

You – sweet, strong, kind, creative you – are perfect.
You are good, and whole, and you are on the right path.

You are enough.

And all the love that makes up everything, the love that coaxes flower petals from tight buds, that makes the stars twinkle and the cicadas sing, that brings hope and joy and comfort to people around the globe, this love is enveloping you, holding you tightly in a big bear hug and filling you up with happiness and peace. It is holding you, now and always.

Breathe it in, beautiful. Trust it.
Everything is going to be alright.

Another Peek into a Little Book

2011-08-13T08:32:00.004-04:00

Hello, darlings!

Here are more pages from my little journal, made in England in 2007. Which spread do you like best?

Mini Journal Pages

2011-08-07T05:11:00.000-04:00

Nearly four years ago, I decided to move to England to live and work in a community of young special needs individuals. When I arrived I was nineteen years old and knew no one, and I was incredibly excited to do something meaningful in a foreign country. I brought with me no art supplies, as I had only just begun exploring art journaling.

During my year-long stay, I dived into iHanna's beautiful blog and became so intrigued that I created a very small journal from scrap paper, borrowed paint from the art cupboard, collected all the paper scraps I could find, and experimented with all the brand new techniques I was learning.

Here are the first pages:

What I so love about the size - it's only about 3 x 4 inches (7.5 x 10 cm) - is that I had no fear of messing up a page or of wasting supplies. At the same time, it was just right to explore new techniques in without worrying about how to pull a whole page together.

More to come soon!

Art Journal Inspiration

2011-08-05T01:11:00.000-04:00

Hello, darlings! Happy, happy August!

I apologize for my absence this past week; time seemed to slip by more quickly than usual! I've been working on some exciting things, like submitting my artwork to Art Journaling magazine for publication (wish me luck!) and writing out a plan for a new art journaling online workshop. If you have any thoughts about what content you would be interested in learning, please share! You can write me here or leave a message in the comments.

In regards to ongoing projects, I do have one confession: I still haven't taken the last two photos for my month long daily photography project! Once I do that, however, I will write a special post to share my thoughts on the entire process and any tips for those interested in doing a similar project.

For now, let me share a tiny fraction of the hundreds of photos I've favorited on Flickr. Click the image below to view larger. Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

CREDITS:

1. Eiffel Journal, 2. 5th September, 3. weekly moleskine calendar 22, 4. 153/365, 5. Layers and watercolors, 6. "now" art journal front, 7. WTJ - glue random items here, 8. morncol-12, 9. TYS Classes June!, 10. p5 p6, 11. May 29, 2011, 12. ICAD #10, 13. Who I Am, 14. notatki, 15. notatki, 16. Today's layout is things to put me in a good mood, 17. body, 18. p37 p38, 19. playing in my little studio..., 20. journal challenge n#16 [scavenger hunt], 21. Carnet de printemps page 10, 22. Carnet de printemps page 12, 23. Fez, 24. curtain, 25. 2010_05_26-1, 26. Unfinished Journal Page 9, 27. Untitled, 28. Alfie's journal vintage collage with fish, 29. The Suburbs, 30. Untitled, 31. Untitled, 32. Today's layout brought to you by the letters A & P, 33. Purple Felt Art Journal: Furlough, 34. PAN(dem)IC, 35. grief, 36. Tell Yourself The Truth

Photo a Day: Week 4

2011-07-29T22:41:00.000-04:00

Day 22 / July 22, 2011

Day 23 / July 23, 2011

Day 24 / July 24, 2011

Day 25 / July 25, 2011

Day 26 / July 26, 2011

Day 27 / July 27, 2011

Day 28 / July 28, 2011

See week 1, week 2, week 3! I can't decide which is my favorite this week. Which do you like?

And two more lovely things:

Goddess Leonie – how to describe her? She is light-filled and wise and silly and giggly and beautiful. Four of her amazing e-courses start on July 31: one for business owners, one for creatives, one to reset your body, and one to reset your home. Sign up for these and much, much more here!
The beautiful Connie of Dirty Footprints Studio has offered to help bring your wishes and prayers to the Universe. Submit yours here.

Happy, happy weekend, friends!

Buried Treasure 2011

2011-07-28T01:45:00.000-04:00

Once a year Seth Apter, author of The Altered Page, invites art bloggers to dig up some favorite posts from their archives. You can take part, too, or check out the other incredible artists digging up their buried treasures by clicking here.

Below are two posts, written in 2009 and 2010, that were huge steps forward in my journey to become confident in my work and accept the beautiful and the imperfect alike. Enjoy!

On Seeing Ugliness
(Originally published November 2009)

As much as I hate the fact, not all things in life are beautiful. There is war. There is hate. There are parts of ourselves which we'd rather we didn't call our own. There are unkindnesses and sorrows and suffering.

Though I truly believe that focusing on the positive draws positive things into our lives; that there are uncountable beautiful souls and deeds and thoughts in the world; that there are infinite things of awesomeness on our Mother Earth, I also believe that we need to see the bad and the ugly in order to appreciate the good and the beautiful.

I have been working on an art journal page - this time not focusing on the elements that pull it together or the colours that make me happy. Instead, I am making it uncomfortable and discordant and ugly.

When it is finished I am going to look at it and decide what about it I don't like and what repels me from it, be it the colours, the shapes, the composition, the writing, or something else entirely. Then, I will realise the things that do draw me to a journal spread or a piece of art.

Opposites are important; without one, we wouldn't understand the other. Without hate there wouldn't be love, and without war there wouldn't be peace. And without ugliness, there wouldn't be beauty - beauty beyond measure.

Try, Try Again

(Originally published April 2010)

Though there are no rules in art journalling, one of the most common pieces of advice you'll hear is, "It is the process of creating, not the end result, that is important!" It is a great suggestion, to be sure, but one that is not easily followed.

All too often our vices stand in our way of enjoying our own art: perfectionism, envy (of others' work), self-doubt, and fear being some of the most common in my own experience. Overcoming these voices requires tremendous effort! It is so difficult and can sometimes be heartbreaking when we so badly want to be "good" but cannot accept ourselves or our art as it is. Have you experienced this?

Within the past month or two, I have realized that I have been viciously shushing my inner gremlins; my art journal style has been expanding, growing, and developing at an exhilarating and slightly frightening rate, my pages thick with paint and layering. I have out of nowhere become comfortable with experimentation and have let go of my expectations for the end result.

I do very much wish that I could share exactly what it is that has change - that word, change, has been appearing here a lot recently, hasn't it?! - but I am not so enlightened. My only advice is this: Continue to create, again and again and again, even when you are not happy with what is being born out of your imagination and mind. Do not give up! Push through all those "bad" paintings and with time, perhaps rather suddenly and unexpectedly, things will change!

I am sure that in my artistic journey there will be many more rough patches, but I know that I am somehow walking in the right direction towards real artistic freedom. Take a peek at three of my most recent spreads, done over a span of about three days. They are grungy, a dance of odd colors and spontaneity. To be honest, I'm not sure if I actually like them; but that is beside the point - I am (slowly) learning to accept the imperfect in both myself and my art. Woohoo!

In Progress

2011-07-25T07:07:00.003-04:00

I've been painting often recently, exploring and experimenting and playing in a children's book of nursery rhymes. I've taken a break from my black journal - the one I created right after I finished my first journal, the one in which I painted this. The dark pages in it are hard to work with as they take a great deal of time to prepare in order to ensure that the black does not seep through; I will probably work my way through it eventually, but for now I am so enjoying working with an altered book!

Below are three of my newest spreads, all of which are as yet unfinished. I've included the materials used in each beneath the photos. I rarely do this, as I usually use a huge number of things to put together one spread, all on impulse, and I often forget exactly what has gone into creating each piece of art! I have listed them as if they were ingredients: the most greatly used products first.

Materials: acrylics, gesso, crayon, watercolor and lead pencil, ballpoint pen.

Materials: collage (phonebook pages, tissue paper, Chinese newspaper, book clipping), acrylics, ephemera (baggage claim ticket, price sticker, months tags), watercolor and lead pencil, gel pen, marker, ballpoint pen, staples, safety pin.

I have noticed that quite a lot of blues and greens have been seeping into my pages, as well as tiny details and a great deal of writing. I suspect that the colors are a wish for cooler, less sticky weather! It's been incredibly hot, daily upwards of ninety degrees.

Materials: collage (vintage pattern envelope, scrap paper, old doodles, map, sticker), acrylics, gesso, ephemera (tags, magazine images, tickets), rubber stamps, hot glue, salt, staples, oil pastel, graphite pencil.

Some wonderful techniques I've used, both old and newly learned:

Use a hot glue gun to create three-dimensional circles and, once dry, glue these into your journal. (See photo 3)
Empty paper towel rolls are excellent stamps! (Photo 1)
Mix salt or sand into acrylic paint to give it texture and dimension. (Photo 3)
Use a candle to (carefully!) burn holes into your pages - and please remember that Modge Podge and other adhesives are flammable! (Photos 2 & 3)
Repetitive shapes can be both fun and interesting. (Photos 2 & 3)
When all of the stickers in a sheet have been used, there remains a sort of outline, also sticky. This is a great texture-boosting tool - stick it anywhere and paint over it, or place it over a background to let the color peek through. (Photo 3)

You can see more detailed photos of these pages by clicking here. Which is your favorite, lovelies? Personally, I like the last one - I'd really love to jump into its layers and swim lazily through all its refreshing color!

PS. Haven't you checked out 21 Secrets yet?!

Photo a Day: Week 3

2011-07-22T07:21:00.002-04:00

Day 15 / July 15, 2011

Day 16 / July 16, 2011

Day 17 / July 17, 2011

Day 18 / July 18, 2011

Day 19 / July 19, 2011

New watercolor journal - for sale here.

Day 20 / July 20, 2011

For sale here.

Day 21 / July 21, 2011

See week 1, week 2.

This week has been the easiest of the project so far - and, as the photos demonstrate, a very creatively productive one! I feel so clever to have remembered on Day 13 to bring my camera on a trip to Michael's, enabling me to snap a message of love from the sky.

I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite of these seven as I'm very pleased with the individual images, though the seagull (Day 15) is definitely a front runner. How about you?

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up with String

2011-07-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

I become incredibly excited when one of my items is sold on Etsy. While the extra money is both needed and appreciated, what makes me truly happy is knowing that the things I create are loved and wanted – what a wonderful feeling that is! I thank each of my customers for it. Making a sale also means that I get to put together a lovely package for the recipient.

Oh, I do love wrapping things! I feel like this is an art all its own, one that builds up anticipation and represents the beauty for the moment secretly contained inside. I am a believer that when material items are well presented the enjoyment of them grows, whether it be a meal served at a restaurant, a blog, or a birthday present.

My handbound map journal was sold earlier in the week – thank you, Lyndette! – and so I covered it in striped paper, tied it with white cotton string, tucked in a free print, and added two vintage library cards as gift tags. (These cards will be listed in my shop soon!) And then, naturally, I took many photos to commemorate the occasion.

If you'd like to get a pretty package of your own, I've just listed a new blank vintage map-covered journal in my shop! Check it out here.

Sandy Shores

2011-07-19T09:06:00.001-04:00

I have always found the ocean alluring. It is ancient, wise, and patient, and connects all seven continents upon which the Earth's inhabitants make their homes. I love the rhythm of the waves and the soothing way the water glides across the sand; I could spend hours watching the tide ebb and flow, ebb and flow. Part of the magic of it, I think, is that photos cannot in the least reproduce the enchantment of the movement.

When I am at the sea, I find myself meditating unconsciously, breathing deeply, and centering my mind. I begin to glow, helped in part by the rays of the sun stroking my skin. And oh, the exhaustion that fills me at the end of the day from taking in so much beauty and wisdom and greatness leads me into a sleep so deep and peaceful it seems to resemble the ocean itself.

My short trip to the beach was just lovely. I finished reading a book by Paulo Coehlo, the pronunciation of whose name escapes everyone I know, and read half of another by F. Scott Fitzgerald; a new goal is the intention to read as many classic books as I can. I floated with the waves and got sand between my toes, fed seagulls, and turned pink; and though I enjoyed enjoyed every moment spent on the shore, I miss it and look forward, as I always do, to meeting the ocean again.

And your comments while I was away, my dear readers, brought such a smile to my face when I returned; you are so sweet and kind and so very, very loved. Did you know?

Photo a Day: Week 2

2011-07-15T21:53:00.008-04:00

Day 8 / July 8, 2011

Day 9 / July 9, 2011

Day 10 / July 10, 2011

Day 11 / July 11, 2011

Day 12 / July 12, 2011

(~~For sale in my Etsy shop~~!)

Day 13 / July 13, 2011

Day 14 / July 14, 2011

Get caught up with week 1 here.

This project has thus far been an incredible insight into my own interests and habits! Some thoughts from this week:

It takes practice to remember to bring my camera everywhere!
I am becoming far more aware of when the sun sets and the light of the day disappears.
As the month goes on, avoiding repetitious photos becomes more challenging; I can feel myself stretching creatively, trying to find new ways of seeing the world.
I would so love to get better with creating photos filled golden light and sun-flares.
My favorite for this week is day 9 - how about you?

I'm off to the beach for the weekend! I'll be back on Monday with photos of my adventures, and will respond to comments and emails then. All my love!

Map-Covered Journal for Sale

2011-07-11T19:58:00.005-04:00

Update: this journal has sold.

I've just added a new journal to my Etsy shop, made with hardbound, vintage map-covered covers and 48 pages of perfect 90 lb. watercolor paper. Oo, so delicious! And it's only $25, with shipping included for my stateside friends.

To be honest, this is one that I'm going to have difficulty parting with, I love it so much! I've actually been thinking about how useful this would be at university to take notes in - perhaps I'll make a few for myself before the new academic year starts.

Check out all the details here!

Five Little Secrets

2011-07-10T22:27:00.006-04:00

I've been gathering quite a few tips and tricks since beginning my art journaling journey five years ago. Below are a few that I've learned along the way.

The type of paper in your journal matters, and it is worth spending a little more to get thick, sturdy paper that will hold up to the most passionately smeared paint, glue, collage, and withstand the thickest layering.
Some of the most wonderful collage papers can be found in the most ordinary places! Collect tea tags, fliers, free magazines, newspaper, candy wrappers, receipts, tickets, found notes, business cards, and tags from clothing - these all can be used as background materials as well as to add detail to a finished page. Another plus: every single one of these materials is free.
Creating a page you don't like is perfectly okay: paint over it! The texture underneath will be beautiful and add interest to your spread.
There are many, many ways to write on a page without revealing what it says. Try these things to include your words on a page: write on a page, then paint and collage over it; seal a page or two in a pocket; tear up what you've written and glue it onto a page before painting over it; write horizontally, then vertically, then diagonally; type up your written thoughts, print them, then do an image transfer; write in watercolor pencil, water soluble crayon, or magic marker, and add water to smudge the letters.
Don't be afraid to try something new in your journal! Melt some candle wax, play with crayons, add masking tape, splatter ink, repeat a single shape over and over, use only one color, use all the colors, paint a story, answer a question, make a maze, sew or embroider, glue in a 3D object, or adding food color! Playing and experimenting will help you grow and stretch as an artist.

Wooo! What are your five secrets?

Guest Appearance

2011-07-08T09:30:00.002-04:00

I'm over at the beautiful Rhiannon's blog Pierced Beauty today! Drop by to read all my thoughts on art journaling, and and be sure to say hello to this very talented and sweet lady. Send her some warm thoughts, too - it's the middle of winter in New Zealand!

Happy, happy Friday, friends!

Photo a Day: Week 1

2011-07-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

Day 1 / July 1, 2011

Day 2 / July 2, 2011

Day 3 / July 3, 2011

Day 4 / July 4, 2011

Day 5 / July 5, 2011

Day 6 / July 6, 2011

Day 7 / July 7, 2011

What I've learned so far about my month long photo-a-day project:

I love taking macro photos! I adore focusing in on small textures, colors, and other details that are usually unnoticed.
Taking photos during daylight is much, much easier than trying to capture something after the sun has set. (And less stressful, too, when there are only a few hours left before midnight!)
My interest in a project starts to ebb on the sixth day.
Bokeh - out of focus spots of light - are simply magical.
Sometimes a photo that looks crisp on the camera screen is in fact blurry - see day 2.
To make sure that #5 doesn't happen, take many photos so that there is wide choice and the best version can be uploaded at the end of the day.

And a small confession: the last two photos were taken on the same day!

If you are interested in starting your own thirty day project, photo or otherwise, check out this inspiring video from Ted Talks:

My most favorite photos this week are the fiery bokeh (Day 1) and bubbles (Day 3); my least is the blurry Day 2. What about you?

The Shop Revealed

2011-07-04T20:07:00.006-04:00

Hello, my darlings!

Hurrah, hurrah! I have spent the day photographing, writing, and listing all the new goodies which are now in my Etsy shop. It's so exciting to finally see it filled once more! At the moment there are plenty of collage packets - a collection of papers, stickers, magazine clippings, foreign materials, and so, so much more -, two art journals that are only $8.50 each, and an original mixed media art piece, a detail photo of which is above.

I'm offering a free gift with every purchase - the more items you buy, the more gifts you'll receive! As always, there is free shipping within the United States. Woohoo! Throughout the next week I hope to add more things, and I've been scheming and dreaming about some wonderful things I'll be offering in the future.

Reading to take a peek? Check out everything that's for sale, either by by finding the "Shop My Peacetree" link underneath my header or by clicking here! Remember that there is an ongoing two-question survey about your opinions regarding my Etsy shop; these answers will help me to shape the products I make and sell, so your thoughts are important!

I so appreciate your support!

Happy, happy July fourth to my American friends!

A New Project / Grand Re-Opening

2011-07-01T19:10:00.002-04:00

Hello, my beautiful friends!

Lots of news to share with you today. Before that, though, let's welcome dear July, the heart of summer! Already we are at the midpoint of the year and time is happily skipping by at an astonishing pace; hold on to these precious summer days, loves, because they will be gone before you know it. And now, onto creative things!

Firstly, to celebrate this month, I will be embarking on a daily photography project. I've been wanting to do this for quite a long time, but was always too intimidated: I am one who is excellent at starting ideas and not so gifted with the following through to the end (see: Mission 101 and the Sketchbook Project!). But the time is right for me to jump into this project anyway, being gentle with myself and knowing that, if I miss a day or two, that will be perfectly alright. Would you like to join me?

Here are the guidelines I've set up for myself thus far - I feel like I'll learn much along the way and they may change or ebb throughout the month:

One photograph each day, for 31 days;
Content shouldn't be posed/set up;
Try to have each image uploaded to Flickr by midnight of that day;
and finally, I'll post seven photos here at the end of each week.

And that's it! Simple and, hopefully, something I can continue throughout July. If you have taken part in a similar challenge, I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips!

Secondly, I have been creating and dreaming for weeks, and will be having a grand reopening of my Etsy shop on Monday of next week! In stock will be art journal kits, original art, a few handbound journals, and possibly a few other goodies, all to be had for under $40! I do hope you'll stop by and find something you like; I will be offering a free gift with each purchase, too. Woohoo!

It would help me, too, if you could kindly fill out my short two-question survey about what you're interested in purchasing; that way I can be sure to have all those things in stock which you would most like to have! Thanks, dearest!

Wishing you a beautiful weekend, lovelies, filled with the most wonderful of things.

Inviting Inspiration

2011-06-26T12:56:00.004-04:00

It's been a very long time since I've painted - I mean, really painted. Inspiration seems to have been happily vacationing for months and months, and I, trying to regain it, have attributed my creative dry spell to a number of reasons. Maybe it's a result of changes in my everyday life, I thought; or maybe it's because I need a big, beautiful watercolor journal. Whether these are truths or blatant excuses, darlings, is of no matter, for just look what can happen if you start painting anyway.

Did you notice the bit of candle wick that fell onto the page as I was adding wax?

Starting - picking up a paintbrush, a camera, a pen - can be one of the most difficult things to do in a creative's life when inspiration has vanished. If we feel we have nothing to give, our minds ask us why we should we begin at all. And so we get discouraged, believing that we have lost our gift, and sink deeper into a creative rut. Let me share a secret with you, darling, one that I must remind myself of again and again and again: often, the inspiration comes in the creating.

If you are a writer, then write. If you find that you've created three pages of gibberish, so be it; it is in the practicing, the mechanical stringing together of words, that a spark of inspiration can be born. If you are a photographer, take pictures of what is near you in this moment. The chair, the table, or the piano: the ordinary can be as incredible and breathtaking as the extraordinary.

And if you are a painter, an art journalist? Scribble on the page. Add candle wax. Glue down three dimensional objects like plastic netting or bubble wrap or sticks. Doodle. Close your eyes and add some paint. Sew with embroidery floss. Let your fingertips dance across the page, leaving swirls of color behind. Drip paint. Be unexpected: purposely use color combinations you aren't drawn to and place images where you don't think they should go - surprise yourself!

The art will come, if you only allow your creative mind the opportunity to come out to play; inspiration likes to run away, laughing, and so loves to be chased. Yes, my dear friends, begin. This is the very most difficult step, a conquering of the mind to make way for the soul. I believe with all my heart that it will open doors to a magnificently rich and colorful world that is waiting for you this very moment. I believe you have masterpieces to create.

I believe in you.

For larger images and more photos of this spread, please click here.

Message to the World

2011-06-22T19:55:00.001-04:00

A week ago I wrote about authenticity and honesty. Even after posting my thoughts, I continue to have swirling ideas and questions of what exactly it is I want to share, give, grow, and achieve at this dear space. Today I came across this lovely video, shared by a father who blogs for a living, which gifted me a much needed reminder.
What he speaks about strongly resonates with me: your most beautiful work is presented - and people are most interested in what you have to tell the world - when you share what you love. Passion speaks loudly, and beautifully, and is contagious. I have seen this again and again in my own life: posts that I write that I love and wholeheartedly believe in receive far more positive responses than those that are a result of guilt (yes, darlings, I do feel so awful when I leave this space quietly waiting for weeks!).

"Tell the world something important." Tell the world about something you love! Tell the world about something you celebrate and are excited about, something that makes you glow from the inside out, something that makes you giggle and jump and sing for joy.
This, of course, extends beyond blogging; this is a philosophy to adopt for life. Follow your passion. Listen to your heart. Share with the world something important, something only you can give: your beautiful self, your gifts, your talents and smile and your love.
And so I'm paying close attention once again to those things that light me up and bring a sparkle to my eyes. Along the way I'm playing with ideas of what might light you up, too!
What will your message to the world be?

Summer is a-Comin' In

2011-06-21T12:55:00.003-04:00

Photo via fashiongonerogue.com

"the earth laughs in flowers." - e.e. cummings

This morning I awoke at dawn, wanting to watch the sun rise above the world on this summer solstice morning. But from outside my window I could see an overcast sky and could hear the dripping of rain, and I slipped back into slumber.

The longest day of sunlight in the year - and the soon following Midsummer - have always been magical, exotic occasions for me. I suppose quite a bit of that stems from my love of Shakepeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and the presence of the spirits, sprites, and fairies within the play; and on the solstice, it seems that anything is possible.

It is on days like these when I sense more than ever that the natural world is vibrantly alive, that the birds chattering outside are in fact singing sweet secrets to one another, and that the whole planet is laughing joyously at the beauty and magic it contains. While I wasn't able to watch the sun rise this morning, the skies have since cleared and the world is bathed in rich sunlight, and I dream of wearing a long flowing skirt, putting flowers in my hair, singing to the trees, and meditating with the sun. How will you celebrate?

Wishing you endless inspiration, adventure, and amazement today.

Welcome, sweet, warm, dreamy summer!

Inspired by Jennifer Mercede

2011-06-17T19:32:00.002-04:00

After stumbling across Jennifer Mercede's beautiful artwork, I was inspired to try my hand at playing with repetitive whimsical patterns and colors. My first attempt turned out to be far more about the process than the results, but that is all that art journaling is about! This spread was so much fun to create, and was a wonderful practice in playing, trusting instincts, and letting go. I'm definitely going to try this again soon.

You can find all of Jennifer's beautiful artwork at her Flickr account. Check it out!

Into the Wild Blue Yonder

2011-06-13T08:14:00.009-04:00

A few days ago I flew several thousand miles back to the United States from Germany. Leaving my Love is always incredibly difficult, as is leaving all the excitement of adventure and travel; but the three years we have been together have taught quite a bit about patience, trust, and smart ways to save money and ways to ease the long flight between continents. Today I'd like to share some of the tips and tricks I've gathered, and perhaps inspire you to do some travelling of your own!

The very most important thing about traveling internationally:

Be aware that American credit/debit cards, including Visa, do not work in either the EU or in England. Most American cards do not have the computer chip necessary to work in stores or ATMs. (See photo comparisons of the American and European.) This was a big, big surprise to me. Plan accordingly! And now, onto more good stuff.

Buying the Ticket

It is fairly common knowledge that one must shop around for airplane tickets in order to find the best price. Some companies, such as Orbitz and Expedia, are well known; however, I've found that these are often overpriced - I've found tickets for more than $200 less than they were offering! Instead, I suggest you check out Cheapoair, Kayak, Mobissimo, Travelzoo, or Vayama for better deals and to compare prices with those you find on the airline's website, Orbitz, and Expedia.

Some more tips:

The time when you purchase the ticket matters. Late at night, early in the morning, and on weekdays you will find better deals; weekend afternoons and evenings always display the most expensive tickets.
When day of the week you fly matters: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the most expensive days to travel.
Be flexible! If you are able to, see what prices might be if you change your stay by a day or two. If you're really flexible, try a week.
Generally, the more in advance you buy the ticket, the cheaper it will be. However, some airlines and travel sites offer last minute deals - but don't count on these if you simply must be somewhere!
Always allow yourself plenty of time to check prices. Ticket costs fluctuate on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and the more often you check, the better you can decide when is best to buy.
Prices drop like a stone in September and skyrocket in May. (Think of it this way: when children are out of school, prices go up.)

What to Wear When Flying

When I fly, layers of comfortable clothing are my very best friends. The departure city, airport, airplane, and arrival city are likely not all the same temperature, and wearing a tank top, long shirt, and sweatshirt help to keep warm or cool. Jeans usually become uncomfortable quickly, especially if I hope to sleep on the flight; I've taken to wearing leggings instead. Comfort is especially important if your journey is very long; usually I am on the go for about fourteen hours when traveling to see my Love.

To make the security line a little easier, wear slip-on shoes, don't wear jewelry (fingers also swell on long flights, and rings become uncomfortable, as can earrings), and avoid a belt if you can.

A few more thoughts on going through security:

Pack all your large bottles of liquid (lotion, shampoo, perfume, etc.) in the baggage you'll check. Use a small ziplock bag for smaller items that you want to take with you; they'll ask you to take it out at security.
Take out your laptop as you stand in line; you will always be asked to have it separate from your other bags!

What to Bring on the Flight

Long flights can be both boring and uncomfortable. To make them more enjoyable, take these things with you and keep them in arms' reach:

An empty reusable water bottle - I have this one - in your carry-on bag. While you won't be able to bring any drinks through security, you can find a water fountain at your gate and save yourself from overpriced drinks and dehydration on the plane.
Things to keep you entertained: books, crochet (don't bring knitting - security wouldn't like the needles), iPod, crossword puzzles, travel art journal, etc.
Warm socks! My feet always get cold on long flights, and often my feet swell uncomfortably in shoes.
An eye mask may seem to be only for the well-seasoned traveler, but is an investment that will help with passing the time and overcoming jet lag. Plus, you'll never know when it will come in handy in everyday life, like on a long car ride or in a too bright dorm or hotel room. They have stylish ones, too; I bought this for myself a few months ago.
Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste. This is a must for long overnight flights, and helps me feel both hygienic and happier than when I traveled without them. Target sells toothbrush cases and travel-sized toothpaste, both for one dollar.
A ziplock bag with moist baby wipes, which can help keep hands (and faces) clean and unsticky throughout the flight.

And just a few more things (my goodness, this is a long post) about traveling:

British Airways is one of the best airlines I have ever flown. Their staff is always courteous, accommodating, and professional, the airplanes are spacious and clean, there are far more options for films and music during the flight, and they are reliable and punctual. I highly recommend them.
My Love and I have different thoughts on which seat is most comfortable on a long flight. I prefer the aisle, so that I can get up easily without crawling all over someone else; he prefers to have a window seat so that he can lean against the wall to sleep. It's all a matter of preference, I suppose!
Always bring cash with you, at least fifty dollars or the equivalent, for just-in-case-of-an-emergency.
American banks will exchange money for you, but it takes a few weeks to sort it out; plan ahead! In England, post offices will change money; in Germany, a bank will do it if you know someone with an account there.
Companies in the airport that change currency for you take a big commission and you will lose money. One upside to changing money with Travelex is that they will give you a free debit card with the necessary computer chip.
When you have a layover, leave at least one hour between connecting flights on different airlines; two hours is better. This time will be spent getting through security and running from one gate to another. Keep in mind that some airports are enormous and walking time between two gates can be upwards of twenty minutes, even for the same airline. International flights also board much earlier than domestic ones, and it's far better to have too much time than too little.

Whew! And that, friends, is everything that I can think of, for the time being. I suppose this proves just how much I've learned in the past few years. I do hope this is helpful if you are planning on taking a trip in the future; please do share if you learn something yourself or have any other tips and tricks about travel!

In All Honesty

2011-06-12T09:22:00.002-04:00

My feet, waiting to find the right path.

I'm going to be honest, loves: I'm struggling.

I'm struggling with who I am in this moment and who it is that I want to be. I'm struggling with how to achieve authenticity in my life, and how to without question or fear fight for the life I most want to live. I am struggling with negotiating others' expectations of me and the dreams I have for myself.

This topic of honesty has been circulating the blogging world quite frequently as of late. Moorea wrote a beautiful post in April about being honest in loving oneself. iHanna explored the idea of authenticity in blogging. (Her blog server is currently down and therefore I'm unfortunately unable to link to the post.) Miss Dancing Mermaid wrote about this topic, too, and Kendra opened her heart to her readers and shared her difficulty in finding out what it is she has to offer the world.

When I was first introduced to the blogging world, I indulged in the writings of the creative world; I soaked up art journaling and crafting, and forged my own blog after these passions. Recently, however, I have found myself drawn to blogs very different, blogs about about family and everyday life - like those written by these two beautiful authors that I gravitate to again and again.

I am still trying to find the right words with which to describe what it is that draws me to them, but, inarticulately put, it is their possession of two simple things they have that I long for: a home, and the physical presence of those they love. My heart aches more and more for a place that belongs to me, one in which I can put up fairy lights and buy cups and bowls to fill the kitchen shelves; but more than this, I ache for a one way plane ticket to my Dearest.

I want stability and control, a life of my own. The two years of schooling that remain before me are a frustrating barrier between me and freedom to make these dreams reality; unfortunately, the degree I will receive at the end of my time at university is what will allow me more choices in creating the life I hope for.

Though I still adore drinking in the incredible creativity and inspiration I find on fellow artists' blogs, my own passion for creating has ebbed as a result, I think, of the reality I face in this moment. And it is this I am struggling with - the prospect of having to wait, simply wait, for opportunities that lie two years in the future.

And that, my sweets, is my truth, raw and imperfect in this moment.

PS. I'd be so grateful if you could answer two quick questions about my Etsy shop! Click here if you have a moment to spare - thanks!

Fly Away

2011-06-09T05:59:00.003-04:00

Made at picasion.com.

Yesterday, we visited the animals at the zoo. Tomorrow, I fly back to North America. One month - poof! - gone in the blink of an eye, as it always is. It's been such a lovely, lovely trip; my heart is so full, and I will miss being here.

I've been working on several posts, but in truth have been having a great deal of difficulty finding the words to finish them. These are posts about travel and self-development and honesty, and another introduction to a wonderful artist from 21 Secrets. Soon. In the meantime, I've been soaking up the wisdom of Goddess Leonie and the sweet quietness of Erin Darcy's blog.

Sending you so much love, my beautiful friends. I'll see you on the other side of the Atlantic!

21 Secrets Update!

2011-05-31T11:52:00.004-04:00

Hello, my darlings!

I have some very exciting news for you today: 21 Secrets is being extended until January 1, 2012!

Registration will be extended, too, and you can continue to sign up all the way through October 1, 2010. This means that you will five extra months to check out the twenty one workshops created just for you, each of which is created with love and passion by amazing artists. These workshops are valuable to the novice and the veteran art journaler alike, and each includes videos and a PDF for you to download! Five extra months to play, explore, share, get feedback, make new friends, and participate in a warm, welcoming, creative community that is filled with love and endless inspiration.

You can check out all the details and register here!

All my love,

PS. I earn a commission for every 21 Secrets registration purchased through my blog. Many thanks for buying from and sharing my links!

Featured Artist: Alma Stoller

2011-05-29T14:59:00.000-04:00

I would like to introduce you to one of the many incredible, talented women hosting a workshop at 21 Secrets. Alma Stotter, artist extrordinaire, authors a blog bursting with creativity and overflowing with paintings, mixed media art, textiles, artist interviews, and fantastic tutorials like how to recycle magazine images into canvas and make paper bracelets. (Paper bracelets?! Incredible! Check out their gorgeousness in the image below.)

The workshop she teaches at 21 Secrets is titled Child's Play, and Alma writes that it is 'all about creative play. To create like a child.... free, fearless, open. To inspire creativity using found objects and everyday items.' Watch the promo video:

Registration for this and twenty other wonderful workshops at 21 Secrets continues - sign up now!

Another of Alma's projects is the recreation of magazines with with fabric, paint, and embroidery. She has in fact a separate blog dedicated to her monthly creations, and you can check all of her 'glossies' out at The Glossy Project. I love the way the images are softened and altered when they are transferred onto fabric - and I imagine it must take quite a bit of patience and practice to embroider a figure well!

Her paintings are beautiful, too; I love the one below. The colors flow so beautifully, and the bit of collage adds just the right amount of whimsy. Check out more of her mixed media paintings here!

Oh, so much creativity! Stop by Alma's blog for some delicious inspiration, and be sure to enter the giveaway that she is hosting; it's open until May 31!
I love meeting new artists online; so often they give me new energy with which to approach my art, and I do love making new friends. Do you have any favorite artistic blogs - or perhaps one of your own - that you'd like to share?

Habits

2011-05-22T08:29:00.001-04:00

Hello from Germany!

This past week has been filled with the most wonderful things, the most lovely of which has been the company of a special someone very close to my heart. In addition to indulging in homemade sushi, the calmness of a small European town, True Blood marathons, daylong trips to nearby cities, and the half understood lilting of a beautiful language, I have been awaiting the return of the last post published here. It seems, however, that Blogger will not be returning vanishing posts to their authors. Instead, I imagine that all the missing posts of thousands of blogs are mingling together and sharing beautiful ideas in some imaginary land.

I will be in Germany for another three weeks. The time spent here is much needed after a very intense academic year, one which, to be honest, dealt quite a blow to my creative journey. Last year I wrote about how I was just beginning to find my voice, something I had been yearning for for quite a long time. Today I feel like I am back at the very beginning of my journey: unsure of myself and my artistic abilities, unsure of how to put paint on a page, unsure of how to move forward.

I feel the same about this space; I have found myself struggling with how to share the words and images I daydream of. I stumble over syntax and meaning, vocabulary and structure. This is a sure result of the unintended development of the habit of non-blogging, one which I firmly intend to change this summer. Within the first few days I arrived here, I found a little art shop and bought four tubes of acrylics. Over the next few months I intend on gently leading myself back towards a place of artistic security and joy; this includes relearning how to be present, open, and joyful in this space.

I in fact have a few planned posts to share in the near future, including the long overdue introduction of two beautiful and talented artists, both teachers in this season's 21 Secrets.

The journey to creativity is not a static one: we must always be searching, pushing, moving, and striving forward. There is so end to be reached - there is only new discovery, exploration, growth, stretching, and learning, and when we take a pause from this forward momentum we momentarily lose much of what we had learned. Art is something which must be practiced over and over again. It is only through this we can really make it our own.

I Lost a Friend Today

2011-04-28T22:00:00.003-04:00

I knew her in high school. She was in my grade, only a few months older, beautiful, outgoing, and confident. She had a clear and smooth singing voice. I admired her. I envied the way she carried herself and how she seemed to have life so organized and all figured out; I wanted the stability and assuredness she possessed.

We were very similar in some ways: we were creative and romantics, dreamers in love with Lucy Maud Montgomery's beautiful books. And, it seems, we shared a secret, dark, lonely place of depression, loneliness, and uncertainty. I struggled, forcing myself to keep moving forward, one day at a time. Some days are still difficult, but I have found the path into the light. Today, she gave up.

My heart aches for this gorgeous woman, for her husband and family who are struggling with confusion, guilt, and pain. Please keep them in your hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Depression is very real. It is painful and lonely and suffocating, and the world feels as if it is caving in on you. But you are not alone. You are NOT alone. You are not alone in your suffering, and you do not have to be alone in finding a way out. You - yes, you, you beautiful, magnificent being - are endlessly, hugely loved; you deserve every happiness; you deserve life. The guilt, heartache, loneliness, and hurt can be released. There are answers, and the black veil can be lifted. Yes, even for you, my dear. Call the number below, or write anonymously at Postsecret Community. If you feel you can, reach out to a family member or friend and tell them that you need their help.

1 - 800 - 442 - HOPE

Trained individuals are available 24/7

You deserve to wake up every morning to the sun. You deserve to make decisions about what you want to do tomorrow, and next month, and next year. You deserve to do what you love, to watch the spring bloom around you, to go on adventures and to daydream. You deserve to give yourself a chance to find your way out of the dark, deep hole that seems to have no escape, and others deserve to have a chance to show you just how much they love you. Please, give them that chance.

1 - 800 - 442 - HOPE

Trained individuals are available 24/7

Call this number if you ever feel as if you are losing the struggle to continue forward. Call if you're unsure if you "qualify". Call if you feel lonely, or sad, or if you don't know how you feel. The people on the other end are available 24/7 and love you deeply, deeply, deeply, and will hold you and guide you into the light. I promise.

Some more resources:

* National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (24/7)

1-800-SUICIDE (24/7)

* Hopeline

* Postsecret Community

* Hotlines Outside the US

* Huge list of resources from

To Write Love on Her Arms

Spring's Rainbow

2011-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

To view any of these photographs in more detail, please click here.

From yellow to white to purple, this spring has been a truly spectacular one, filled with the loveliest and most vibrant shades of the rainbow.

Twenty Three

2011-04-06T00:40:00.001-04:00

I arrive at twenty three years old well on my way to becoming the woman I hope one day to be. In the past year I have endured incredibly difficult challenges; celebrated beautiful moments of success, happiness, and love; and strengthened the ability to nurture and cherish and be gentle with my soul. I arrive here confident, proud of who I am and the struggles I have overcome.

I look ahead to the future, and hope that, as I hope for all of you this very moment, it may bring clarity, passion, inspiration, creativity, laughter, trust, adventure, and compassion.

Happy birthday to me!

Sulic and Hauser: Cello Magic

2011-04-03T21:16:00.006-04:00

Have you ever had a moment when a piece of artwork has stopped you in your tracks for beauty? I found the video below on Like a Bird last week. Cellos have always been close to my soul, and the duet played by these talented musicians is perhaps the most tender, passionate piece I have ever heard.

I would love to hear what you think, and what beautiful things fill your well of inspiration. Wishing you a Monday filled with magic!

On Defining Oneself

2011-03-26T22:30:00.002-04:00

Sweet baby seedlings.

This past week was a rough one. I struggled with classes, getting minimal sleep and feeling behind on everything - deriding myself for not starting my projects earlier, for not being able to manage getting only four or three or two hours of sleep a night, and for the certainty that the grades I'll receive from this week's assignments will bring my overall grades down and ultimately will most likely affect my GPA.

Yet there is a lesson here. I must remind myself that I tried hard. I pushed myself and I did the best with the time I had, and because of elements beyond my control, I was not responsible for all of the reasons I was behind. My eyes were suddenly opened this week to the fact that I think my grades define me. The idea of getting a low grade on an assignment, however large or small, makes me feel inadequate and unintelligent, incapable and lazy. I think too much about how teachers will see me when I do not do well in their classes; I in a strange and silly way believe that they will only like me if my grades are high. (Won't they like me for who I am as a person?)

What I need to learn is this: my character does not depend upon quantifiable "proof" of who I am. I am a hard worker. I am compassionate towards others. I am creative and kind and smart. I am a good person, and my grades in no way define me. (Also, it's ridiculous to ask my mind and body to function on just a few hours of sleep a night!)

In what ways do you define yourself? Are you gentle with yourself, or are you setting yourself up to impossible standards, like me? Be assured that you are, no matter what, a beautiful, unique, incredible soul and who is so, so loved. You are so very important to this world, as perfectly imperfect as you are!

This was taken two weeks ago - now the daffodils are in full bloom!

Other interesting things this week:

Spring has officially arrived! How are you celebrating?
iHanna wrote a really helpful how-to on altered books; I am hoping my next visit to the thrift store will result in my finding a perfect-for-me book to play in!
This is a fantastic post about the rules of art journaling that you absolutely must read. (It's by the lovely Daisy Yellow, who will be teaching at 21 SECRETS with me!)
I taught myself how to do a coptic binding stitch with this video. It's much easier than I thought it would be!
I've been adding to my Flickr favorites for years, saving all those art journal pages that inspire me and/or show a new technique I'd like to try. Check the photos out here!
21 SECRETS opens on Friday! Woo! Sign up now!

The Promise of Spring

2011-03-18T00:53:00.004-04:00

My very favorite season of all is Spring. I love the way it arrives unhurriedly - the world slowly begins to smell of earth, the chirping of birds grows ever more and more present, the sun lingers ever longer in the sky and, best of all, warm weather stays, inviting exploration of the changing landscape.

Yesterday was absolutely beautiful. I walked, seeing how buds are so close to bursting - the anticipation absolutely thrills me! Of the many things that inspire me, Spring is the one that I love best.

But, though I treasure this moment, I long for May, when I will be spending a whole month in Germany with the Boy and painting to my heart's content - maybe I'll recreate the peonies I sketched above in my art journal!

Psst.. Register for 21 Secrets now!

21 Secrets Registration

2011-03-14T03:00:00.002-04:00

**UPDATE 5/31/2011: 21 Secrets registration is extended until January 1, 2012! Check out the details here.

Dear friends,

It's here!! I and the other twenty beautiful women taking part in 21 SECRETS have been working hard to put our workshops together for you. And, finally...

Registration for 21 SECRETS goes on sale today!

It's going to be such an incredible experience. I'd love to have you join us! Once you register, you'll have access to twenty one individual workshops, each of which includes at least one video tutorial about a technique or approach to art journaling, one PDF that you can print and keep, and an ocean of creativity and inspiration! You'll meet hundreds of new friends, too.

My own workshop is called Beautiful You, Radiant You. The description is below.

"We spend a great deal of time focused on the external happenings of our lives, yet often neglect to explore our own dreams, needs, and souls. Join me in dedicating a few hours to amazing you - we'll investigate and celebrate all your one of a kind wonderfulness! Learn how to create mandalas, use symbolism, tuck away secrets, and employ other techniques to bring your unique self into your art journal pages. Step by step instruction, writing and artistic prompts, and a great dose of inspiration included!"

(Psst, this means that I will personally introduce myself in person for the very first time!)

The workshops will open on 1 April, but you can sign up today. Please click on the link below to register, and be sure to send this way anyone you think might be interested. Let's get our artsiness on!

REGISTER HERE!

Thanks so much, beauties. Wishing you lots of love and a wonderful start to your week!

Exploring Balance with the Zombie Queen

2011-02-21T20:25:00.002-05:00

Oh, my.

It's been so long since I've painted. So little time to create means dwindling inspiration and fewer and fewer blog posts, and I don't like that one bit.

This afternoon my shift at work was cancelled, leaving me with three beautiful, empty hours - a block of time perfect for a date with my art journal! The left page became inhabited by a funny zombie-like self portrait, and layers of acrylics, watercolors, india ink, collage, gesso, an image transfer, and self-made envelope made their appearances (as always!).

The spread isn't quite finished; I think I may add some journaling and/or splatter at a later time. But the chance to create - to play and experiment and to lose track of time has relaxed and centered me, and I'm so grateful for that. I simply must spend more weekends (and spare minutes) with my art supplies.

In process..

Miss Zombie

Balancing work and play can be so, so difficult. To Do lists grow ever longer, and, if you are like I am and tell yourself that you'll let yourself paint a page or two after all the must-dos have been finished, you'll never find that time to let your imagination soar. I get so frustrated sometimes with the message we've been taught: finish all your dinner before you may have dessert. In my opinion, letting creativity out to play reenergizes and motivates, allowing more productivity when we return to the more practical goals set for the day. (Or am I perhaps simply justifying the need to create? Do we, in fact, need a reason to allow ourselves to create? If this is what I am doing to myself - wow. My priorities are really out of balance.)

Finished - for the time being. The hand in the lower right corner can

be downloaded here for free!

Tell me, dearests, how do you balance work and play? Do you find yourself setting creativity as a reward for "good" behavior - such as getting the laundry done and washing all the dishes? How can we unlearn the priorities taught to us as children, and incorporate more artistry into our everyday routine?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Today

2011-02-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

... is a sleepy, rainy, tidy-up-and-get-the-laundry-done kind of day. Luckily, Tracy Chapman is good company and I may have time to do creative things later.

Drumroll Please...

2011-01-31T01:20:00.002-05:00

Oh goodness gracious! I'm so excited. I have big news for you, my sweet readers!

The most lovely Connie from Dirty Footprints Studio is hosting another round of the 21 SECRETS workshop -- and she's invited me to be one of the featured artists! Amazing, yes? I'm so honored and thrilled and ready for this big adventure! I can't share too many details yet, but here are the important bits:

21 SECRETS is led by twenty one beautiful, talented women who will be sharing twenty one individual techniques, inspirations, creative philosophies, and approaches to art journaling. Basically, it's one big celebration of color and passion!
All the material will be taught online - anyone can be a part of it!
The individual classes will be announced in the beginning of March;
21 SECRETS will be going on sale on March 14th, and...
The spring ecourse will officially open on April 1st!

You can read about last year's 21 SECRETS course here and get an idea of what might be coming up, though all the courses will be brand new and perfectly unique, created by each of the women. Be sure to go visit Connie and meet one of the most radiant, sunshine-y people I know. She really is a lovely, lovely woman.

I do hope you'll join me in this big artfest! Whether you are a beginner or an advanced artist, there will be plenty of juicy goodness for you. It'll be amazing.

Be sure to continue to check My Peacetree for updates!

Lots of love,

Toward the Light

2011-01-28T21:40:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, I am so happy to be back at university. I was completely dreading it, but I find that here I am finally able to begin decompressing and looking objectively at how I've grown and changed over the past few months. (Especially on days when so much snow falls that all classes are cancelled!) I think this year I may have unknowingly begun a journey into some serious self exploration! Perhaps as I discover new things and rethink old beliefs, fears, and goals I will find my way back to my passion for creating. I feel I must, for the time being, anyway, follow where my intuition leads.

With such extreme change happening around me, I have failed to recognize changes occurring within. I've suddenly noticed that I am drawn to new colors - pale pinks, creams, and turquoises - as well as things (images and clothes, for example) feminine, delicate, and soft. In the past, I was (and at moments still am) attracted to bold, bright, energetic colors, colors that suggested action and strength and vivacity; I was never a fond of what I very judgmentally considered "girly" or "weak" colors or design. Yet here I am, wearing neutrals and pinks and wanting to dress in lace dresses and put flowers in my hair.

I really believe that this is an important representation of some inner change I can't quite understand or explain as of yet, and want to see where this world of pastels and softness will take me. This change is so sudden and surprising that I must admit that I'm not really sure how to respond to it! But tonight? Tonight I break out the paints and explore a new palette and a new side of myself with no judgment and no expectation of being able to understand perfectly. I'll let my heart do the talking.

Reflections on 2010, Part II

2011-01-22T17:11:00.002-05:00

Last year my word was "emerge" - and emerge I did, into change and newness and activity galore! This new year snuck up on me and I was a bit late on choosing a new word to guide and inspire me throughout the next twelve months. However, I suddenly was struck by the word "honesty" (in the middle of a shower, as it happened), and haven't been able to shake the thought of it since. In fact, it is part of what pushed me to write - and publish - the last post. So, honesty it is; I am so curious to see where this word will lead me!

In lieu of new resolutions - I intend to continue my three goals from last year - I have begun making a long list of life dreams, goals, and hopes. Check it out here! (You can also find it in the left column under the link "Dreams, Hopes, & Life Goals".) I'd love to hear about your list if you have one or make one!

In order to have a balanced look at 2010, I want to celebrate the good and the beautiful as well as the challenging. Though many moments of this year were overwhelming and difficult, many wonderful things happened as well: I met many new friends, created quite a few things, celebrated My Peacetree's first birthday, and surprised a beginning art journaler with brand new art supplies. I stepped up and moved forward, reenrolling in college after three long years, and my dear Boy visited no less than three times and made me a very happy girl. I struggled, I laughed, I painted, and I studied. I was courageous, creative, and assertive. This year was not entirely unhappy nor unsuccessful.

As I've mentioned before, however, I am still struggling with finding my creative spirit. I miss feeling that constant tug, an itching to get my hands messy and play with paper and glue and images for hours. I hope my muse - my inspiration - returns soon. How have you been inspiring yourself through these dark winter months?

And you, my dear friends - I hope that you are happy and healthy, and know just how sparkling and radiant and captivating you are! (You really are quite so, dearests.) And oh, you are so very loved!

This Dear Community

2011-01-15T09:00:00.001-05:00

Blogging has been such a wonderful, healing experience. Every post I send out into the cyber world makes me feel lighter and happier, and serves as a lovely reminder of things accomplished, dreamed, created, and seen. But what has humbled me most is finding such kind, artistic, gentle souls and an amazing support system that has surprised me again and again. I feel loved and so, so blessed! Thank you so much, you beautiful things, you, for the sweet word and the good wishes. I soak it up deeply - and can assure you that I am sending lots of warm fuzzy thoughts and big bear hugs to each and every one of you.

Reflections on 2010

2011-01-12T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hello once again, lovelies! Happy New Year! I hope that your holidays were magical and that you are jumping into 2011 with exuberance and sparkling eyes.

I've tried several times in the past few days to begin this post. The new year has arrived and we are already midway through January, yet my mind is still in 2010. I have come to realize that, in order to move forward and to be able to properly embrace the future, I must be more honest with myself, both in the real world and in this space.

You see, the past few months things have not been happy ones – in fact, they have been very dark and difficult. In an attempt to think positively and to refrain from bogging others down with my troubles, I have neglected to bring these frustrations into this space. I feel, however, that I am not representing myself accurately, and have found that my ability to blog has been completely blocked; trying to a faux picture of myself (an eternally happy, positive, growing self) while feeling less than okay is damaging and bars my ability to be creative. I have realized that to try to completely ignore the negative is just as harmful as succumbing to it; as always, balance is the key.

The year 2009 was one of imprisonment. I felt confined, stuck, and smothered in my town and my life, unable to help myself or to find a way to escape. This past year has been entirely different; my everyday reality has gone from inertia to ever-increasing, overwhelming momentum. Within a single year I have moved from home to a new city to a new state, fought countless obstacles, experienced extreme emotional highs and lows, and have plunged once again into the academic world. My family is shifting and has been a huge source of strain; my mother is engaged and has just moved in with her fiancé, and I have had to move with her - my home has disappeared and struggling to readjust has become a constant in my life. A difficult past has complicated matters and causes emotions to run very high.

Life has gone from zero to sixty so quickly that I am still trying to process things that happened months ago. I have been unable to paint, journal, or take photos due to my academic workload and preoccupation with a incredibly complicated and dysfunctional personal life, and there were moments where I was under such mental strain that I became physically ill. In general, 2010 caused many tears and has left me feeling raw, vulnerable, and fragile.

Challenging moments are a part of life, but acknowledging the negative things releases me from them. In being more honest with myself and others while refusing to dwell on dark days allows me to move forward into the sunlight and adopt a fresh, clear perspective - for the time being, at least.

Ahhh. I feel better already. Here's to a new beginning!

The Warriors of Winter

2010-12-06T14:42:00.001-05:00

From beyond the window of my little room I can hear the wind barreling through the branches of the bare trees. Today it is icy cold and my nose and fingertips turn pink when I venture outdoors.

My absence from My Peacetree over Thanksgiving was quite unintentional, and I do feel it necessary to offer a bit of an explanation. While 2009 was a year of Being Stuck, 2010 has been a year of overwhelming and astonishing Change. I moved to a new city, then to a new state and new school; I have been finding new friends, having new experiences, making new adjustments, and meeting new challenges, and my mind has been struggling to be present in and to process all that I've been through in eleven short months.

I encountered still more change when two weekends ago I went home for a traditional family homecoming. I arrived, instead of the house I know and love, to a new home in a new town with new soon-to-be step siblings and step father. A good deal of the time since arriving back at University last week has been spent slowing wading through the mudslide of emotion that buried me during the Thanksgiving holiday.

II.

December arrived with quite a presence, rainy and grey, eager to fulfill its duties as the first winter month. Woolen sweaters and thick scarves have dominated my wardrobe as of late, and I am on the lookout for a warm, sturdy pair of boots to carry me through the winter.

I do not for a minute believe that it is too soon to think about New Years resolutions and hopes, dreams, and goals for 2011; the speed at which this year is passing guarantees that January will be here in a heartbeat. Therefore, I propose that this the last word of the month for this year should be savor.

Drink in every moment. Reminisce about the old year, and dream about the new. Savor this beautiful time between the end and the beginning, and embrace the magnitude of what is to come. In this month, live fully. Breathe deeply. Notice and appreciate the small things; savor the big and the beautiful things. Immerse yourself in the inner and outer worlds!

III.

I have sadly accepted that my presence here simply cannot be as regular as it has been in the past; this is another change, a significant one, and one which prompts me to let go of my expectations of "How a Blog Should Be". My posts' frequency will simply have to ebb and flow as the world around me allows. I absolutely do not want to give up this beautiful project that has given me so much as introduced me to such lovely, kind, creative individuals, and have high hopes that at some point in the future I will be able to blog with more regularity.

Thank you so very much for your understanding, dearests. Much love to you all.

Quick Note

2010-12-02T02:10:00.003-05:00

Hello, my beauties!

Finals are approaching and I have been so very, very busy. If you can bear with me, I will post December's word of the month this weekend and give you some explanation for my absence. I hope you are well. Miss you all!

A Dreamer's World

2010-11-14T16:57:00.006-05:00

I love to be alone. I never found the companion

that was so companionable as solitude.

~ Henry David Thoreau

I am a dreamer and an introvert, through and through.

Though I enjoy being with people and if I am by myself too often I become restless and lonely, I deeply treasure my alone time. I truly enjoy sitting with myself in silence, writing, internet-ing, and creating when I can find the time. I take myself on walks every now and then, and try to foster a still, peaceful mind.

My journey to being comfortable with myself has not been an easy one; over the past few years I have struggled, fought, and tried to change who I am, but with time and a huge amount of effort and patience I have come closer to loving myself exactly for who I am, accepting the flaws and imperfections and celebrating (not hiding) the things I like. I must always remind myself to be gentle, kind, and loving towards myself - because that is what I and every one of you deserve.

Yet this habit of mine, of wanting to spend quiet time with myself, tends to push people away. I have difficulty making and keeping friends, for so many of the people I meet are far more active and social than I. How I wish I were able to find those quiet imaginative folk who would be perfectly content to write, paint, or dream the day away! And how grateful I am to meet many of you here in this lovely space.

Oh, I wish that we could go on a walk together! We could wonder about the changing leaves and the soaring birds; we could drink tea and play soft music; we could draw each other and laugh at the silly way I drew your nose. We could imagine what tomorrow would be like, and dream about whom we want to become in the years that lie ahead...

My loves, if you feel the same as I do - a daydreamer separate from the world - know that you are not in the least bit alone. There are individuals all over the world wishing for someone just like you to come play and explore and imagine. Be patient, my loves; we'll find each other some day.

The Artist's Way

2010-11-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

In September, I was instructed by one of my professors to choose and read one of several books. I first picked up one that was small and aged, but I soon put it down and instead picked one that said something about creativity and spirituality on the cover, two subjects that always hook me. Amazingly, it happened to be a book I knew well, though I'd never actually read it - after four pages I realized with a quite start that this book was The Artist's Way, written by Julia Cameron, the creator of morning pages. I had been wanting to read it for quite some time.

I first came across the idea of morning pages much earlier in the year. Morning pages are the daily practice of writing three pages by hand; the catch is that, once one begins, one is not allowed to stop the pen until the three pages are complete. I tried them for a month or two, then life distracted me and I moved on to new projects. I still mean to do them, yet, as so often happens, forget in the fast-paced flow of the day.

This book inspired me so much that I purchased it for myself before I had even finished reading it. Though it was written as a structured, twelve week long course on nurturing your inner artist, it is in fact quite readable and easily done on one's own or in an informal group. The pages are chalk full of exercises, ideas, meditations, insights, quotes, and so, so much more. It is perfectly appropriate both for those who have never felt comfortable with calling themselves an artist and have never laid brush to a page or put a story on a page, and those who are familiar with or long time participants of the art world.

I first read the book all the way through, skipping the exercises. I will go back through my own copy and work my way through its pages with a pencil in hand. The Artist's Way is a resource you will go to again and again when the inner critic starts to whisper, friends or family doubt your abilities, you struggle with justifying your passion, or need a dose of inspiration.

It must be mentioned that Julia uses the words like "God" and "spirituality" quite often during the book. This is what she says in the introduction about her use of these words:

"When the word God is used in these pages, you may substitute the thought good orderly direction or flow. What we are talking about is a creative energy. God is useful shorthand for many of us, but so is Goddess, Mind, Universe, Source, and Higher Power .... The point is not what you name it. The point is that you try using it."

If you can keep an open mind, you are sure to enjoy what insight she has to offer.

If you'd like to find out more about this book, you can check it out on Amazon - at the moment it's on sale for $10! You can also visit Julia Cameron's website here.

Note to Self

2010-11-07T07:07:00.009-05:00

Dear Self,

Hello, lovely. I've been neglecting you. Sometimes with all the bustle and stress of everyday life, I forget that you are the very most important thing, and for this I am deeply sorry. You deserve so much better than that.

I take you for granted all too often, and I desperately want to change this. I promise that I will try harder to treat you the way you deserve to be treated. I will allow you the sleep you need. I will feed you well. I will give you more time to be creative and I will I will allow you to fear and dream and hope and to be sad; I won't pretend that those feelings don't exist. I will tell you that I love you - often. I will dance with you and sing with you and I will do my best to make you feel beautiful and enchanting.

You deserve that.

We deserve that.

With so much love,

Ingrid

Summer, Good Night

2010-11-01T22:36:00.000-04:00

Dear November,

You arrived this morning with a rush of cold air, and I wore my winter coat all day for the first time this year. It is now the midst of autumn and I can ignore that fact no longer! October's leaves are absolutely beautiful, most still clinging to the trees and many floating enchantingly down to cover the chilly earth. Nights are frigid and the frost will come soon. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year wait around the corner, much closer than we think.

Last month was a bit of a challenge for me as I began and continue to relearn how to balance work and play. I must admit that I did not work on a single page of my art journal last month. My creative endeavors, in fact, were limited to a knitted circular scarf, currently waiting for a finishing crochet border; a homemade Halloween costume; and painted fabric waiting to be made into art dolls. Of course, many doodles were made among my class notes, and now happily dance with my handwriting when the pages are closed. I wrote a ten page play for a class as well.

Are you, perhaps in a similar situation? Darling, if your free time to paint or creative inklings ebb and flow, I must gently remind you that this means that you are no less of an artist than if you were sewing, drawing, sculpting, writing, or painting every hour of every day. Everyday life is something that happens, well, everyday - to every single one of us. It is natural and it is inevitable, and you have no need to be ashamed. Being an artist does in no way mean you must give up life as you know it, but it is true also that life as you know it should not prevent you from being an artist. You must never give up trying to follow your passions, even if you only spend a few minutes each day or week on them!

I believe the noun perseverance is the appropriate for the new word of the month - the long trek through the dark winter months can be difficult and disheartening, yet we must remember and dream of the beautiful, luscious spring that awaits on the other side. The only thing to do is persevere. Here I come!

Love,

PS. 50% off Etsy sale going on now! Please go here for more information.

Etsy Sale

2010-10-29T09:48:00.002-04:00

There is a 50% off sale on all prints in my Etsy shop - and shipping is completely free! (This link has been fixed.)

All photos are vibrantly colored and are beautifully, professionally printed on matte paper, ready to be framed, used in art, or used in an inspiration board. A bit of cardstock could easily be adhered to the back; add a note and a stamp and you have a one-of-a-kind postcard to send to a friend!

This sale will continue until November 29th when I will be temporarily closing my store. Do please stop by and take a look! I also encourage you to browse my Flickr photostream and let me know which images you like, and I will do my best to have these printed for a future sale. You may email me at mypeacetree2 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thank you, dearests!

Academics, Balance, and Creativity

2010-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

As my tests ended and five beautiful, yet-to-be-filled days loomed before me, I was filled with a strong desire to create. I've painted some fabric to create more art dolls and have begun knitting a circular scarf - it feels so wonderful to be using my hands again!

***

Many days after starting this post, I am once again piled up to my neck in schoolwork. I have a new found appreciation for those who can balance blogging with full time jobs, intense college careers, and parents of small children! If I thought time was flying before, it is no comparison to how it has become a blur before me, as if I were spinning on a merry-go-round.

I miss creating. I miss playing. I miss having time to breathe. I miss blogging and connecting with each of you on a near-daily basis -- and yet I also enjoy being busy and feeling both productive and useful. I reflect on my word of the year, emerge, and am surprised about just how much I've lived into it; I've come out of my comfort zone, both literally and figuratively, and have come a long way in just one year.

It is a lifelong battle, I think, to achieve a good balance of needs and wants; too often our desires to create, relax, or enjoy oneself is put off an hour, a day, a month. The world rushes by us with an ever-present demand of deadlines and many of us struggle with the feeling that we are out of control of our own lives. While the pace of the world is unfortunate, remember that you are in control of your own actions, choices, and priorities.

You can lead your life; the consequences of your choices may be inevitable, yes, but it is up to you to suffer them or not. They do not by default define your actions. You are in control. This mode of thinking opens our minds to the possibility of spontaneity, opportunity, and freedom - which are, indeed, possibilities. As I've written in previous posts, refusing to take risks leads to ordinary, predictable outcomes. The act of taking a risk, however small, reminds us that we are masters of our own journeys. Try it out!

How are you, my lovelies? How is life treating you? Are you celebrating all that you've been blessed with? Are you remembering just how loved you are? Sending you lots of good wishes from my small corner of the world.

Evening Musings

2010-10-10T20:56:00.000-04:00

1. autumn dreams pg1, 2. October, 3. to change, life, love, create, 4. Points of Two - Week 30, 5. Week 42: Falling Leaves, 6. Dia de los Muertos: right side, 7. Nothing Held Back Journal, 8. fall journal page 2, 9. 52

The weather has been beautiful lately, tempting me endlessly to enjoy the lingering warmth of summer. Sadly, though, I will not be able to go freely into nature until the end of this week - midterms have snuck up already and I have been spending my time studying all sorts of wonderful things and preparing for tests.

I recently came across two new words which I found completely enchanting: meraki and duende. The first is Greek and the second is Spanish; both describe things for which there is no translation in English. Meraki is used to describe "doing something with soul, creativity, or love -- when you 'put something of yourself' into what you're doing, whatever it may be". Duende "captures an entire world of passion, energy, and artistic excellence" and implies a whirlwind of zest in creation. Oh, what lovely ideas! Big thanks to Micaela for sharing.

I have a few posts in mind - including a recent art journal page - and do hope to share them soon! In the meantime, play in your art journal and explore autumn colors, moods, and ideas; let your pen flow across crisp white paper to describe all the beauties of this month; listen to this wonderful piece of music; explore Michelle's art challenges; go for a long walk with a camera in hand; and create warm things for the coming winter. Cuddle in bed and drink steaming tea when you can - my favorite flavor at the moment is black currant!

Recently I've been inspired by dancing golden leaves, blue skies, cello concertos, tights, the thud of acorns falling, Jacqueline du Pré, books, bright scarves, red lipstick, and dripping rain. How about you?

Sending love to all the corners of the world!

Self-Love in Busy Moments

2010-10-04T23:41:00.004-04:00

Repeat after me: I will give myself a moment or two of my own time. I will remember that I (and my mental, physical, and emotional health) am a priority. I will be gentle with myself.

I sit on my bed under a downy blanket, fighting procrastination. This past week has been a tough one for me. There have been several things which have been testing me mentally and emotionally and which have been completely preoccupying my mind. Deadlines are ever present. I'm exhausted and have not been treating my body well, resulting in further exhaustion.

What does one do in these situations? Do you, like I do, need reminding that it's okay to take a step back, take a deep breath, and go slowly? Sometimes, in all the hurry and bustle and must dos and should dos, I forget to take care of myself. I forget to send myself love, and I forget to be gentle with myself. If you are in a similar situation, dearest, remember that you are a top priority - those To Dos can wait for a moment while you dedicate some time to you.

For a short-term solution, take a quick break in the midst of work - it often allows one to come back refreshed and full of renewed energy. Struggling through a project or task may in fact prevent you from doing your best work or from accomplishing as much as you need to! Try one or more of these little tricks to boost your spirits and your drive:

Make a cup of tea and sip it slowly
Read a blog post or two
Take a short walk outside
Have a conversation with your kids, spouse, or friend
Doodle or sketch
Stretch
Meditate for a few minutes, or simply close your eyes and focus on your breathing
Tidy the area around you - often a clear space helps create a clear mind
Make a list of 15 reasons you are blessed

After a few minutes' break, return to the task at hand and see if you are not more clear-headed and better able to focus. I suggest giving yourself at least five minutes of time each hour in order to re-center. Go on, treat yourself to some self-love!

If you have tried and true tactics to gently push yourself through difficult or tedious days, please share in the comments!

Blue Skies and Yellow Leaves

2010-10-01T13:21:00.002-04:00

Taken 2009.

October announced itself this morning with deliciously autumnal weather - breezy and cool, tempting me with the promise of a beautiful season. I am beginning to accept that summer is over and a new season has begun. This is a lovely month, filled with red-tinted leaves, pumpkins, harvested corn, and chilly nights; bonfires with good friends, thick blankets, and steaming mugs of hot tea are an absolute necessity!

In academic land, mid-terms are, incredibly, already approaching. Time flies so quickly, but when your days are filled from top to bottom with to do lists and looming deadlines the hours rush by in a blur! Tell me, how have you lovelies been in the past four weeks? What have you struggled with? What have you accomplished? What projects have you started or added to your list of "Things to Try Someday"?

I propose that the new word of the month be nurture - this October, have a greater focus on your art, your health, and your passions. Nurture yourself. Take a moment or two to breathe and allow yourself to center, and challenge yourself to grow in even the minutest of ways. (If you need some ideas to jump start creative exploration, check out Daisy Yellow's Creative Experiments for October or iHanna's list of 49 Creative Things You Can Do Today.) What else could you nurture, and what else about you could be nurtured?

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend, my loves.

The Return

2010-09-29T01:01:00.000-04:00

Autumn leaves, taken 2009.

Hello, dear little blog!

The past few weeks have served as a lovely breather, allowing me to adjust to my new classes and settle once again into academic life. Autumn has arrived. Today is Michaelmas. My Beloved is flying home as we speak after a wonderful two-week stay.

And I am looking forward to sinking once more into my art and embracing my creativity, and returning to near-regular posting here on My Peacetree.

I have missed you. It's good to be home!

Sweet September

2010-09-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

Ahh, September! The month of lengthening nights, cooler days, and transition between two seasons. In just a few weeks Autumn will begin, though the hot, humid days may linger for a while still. Enjoy these remaining days filled with sunshine, green, and warmth!

School has started for many, myself included. I suspect that blogging will slow these next months due to my heavy workload, though I will certainly do my best to maintain some sort of rhythm, as this space truly is my haven.

In this moment, I feel that the word stretch is appropriate for the new word of the month - September is perfect to stretch your mind through creative or academic endeavors and challenge yourself with new concepts; alternately (or additionally), you can stretch your limbs and your body to prepare for a long, sleepy winter. Check out Daisy Yellow for some creative challenges for this month!

Happy Thursday, loves!

PS. Your response to my last post was moving; I am humbled by your kindness and understanding and I do hope that Tomo will read your comments and feel surrounded by love, peace, and support from all you wonderful individuals.

Art Supplies for Tomo: Part III

2010-08-30T00:23:00.003-04:00

Ivy, taken July 2010.

Hello, my loves.

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today. I sent Tomo's package early last week, but, due to reasons that I cannot go into for her sake, she did not ever receive it. I am struggling to find balance between sharing exactly what the situation is and protecting Tomo's privacy. If you have donated and would like to have an explanation that you so rightly deserve, please email me and I will do my best to provide an appropriate one.

I apologize so profusely. If I were able - if I had the money to spare - I would refund you all in full; perhaps I will be able to at some point in the future. This entire situation, which once left me giddy with joy and excitement, leaves me deeply saddened for Tomo. I hope that some day in the future she will be able to create, discover, and grow with wild abandon.

With love,

Written Journal

2010-08-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

I have two main journals - my art journal and my written journal. I often forget to add writing to my art journal, getting caught up in paint and details and stamps, eventually feeling that the spread is complete without journaling. Occasionally I'll use words cut from magazines to add text, but the majority of my writing happens in my daily journal.

I am not one to write in detail about my days, expressing what happened and where I went and who said what. I instead doodle, make to-do lists, sketch, prepare blog posts, take notes, or every once in a while express feelings of anger, frustration, or joy over a specific occurrence.

The journal that I use now - which is almost complete! - is one I hand bound from a recycled pizza box. (I once got asked if it was a cookbook/recipe book!) The pages are plain printer paper and suit me well for my purposes; the binding is imperfect which leaves me more comfortable to "mess up" its pages.

Do you have a journal? What sorts of things do you write in its pages?

And So it Goes

2010-08-23T08:30:00.001-04:00

August has been a bit bare of posts, hasn't it? Frustratingly, my "borrowed" internet has been discovered by others, and so once again I struggle with a temperamental connection that has a grudge against uploading photos. I was asked some time ago about my written journal, and I'd hoped to be able to share some peeks with you today. I will have to postpone this for a little while, I think; my school dorm has wifi and I have high hopes that it will be conducive to blogging!

Today will be an incredibly busy day - it is my last before leaving this city after my short four month stay; Wednesday I will be moving to campus. My to-do list includes packing, sorting, and cleaning, and this morning I will finally head to the post office to send Tomo's package! I did try on Saturday, but arrived two hours after the building had closed. Tomo is looking forward to it just a bit, I think:

"OH MY GOSH!! I'm so excited!! It's all I've been thinking about these days!! .. I'm sososososososooooooooo thankful for everything you've done for me!! I really appreciate your hard work as well as that of others who have helped you help me."

I once wrote that it's a truly wonderful feeling to have someone make your day, but it's a thousand times better if you make theirs. At the moment, I believe that more than ever.

Wishing you a beautiful, creative, love-filled week!

Art Supplies for Tomo, Part II

2010-08-18T19:16:00.003-04:00

Dear Tomo -

If you would prefer to be surprised when your art supplies come - don't read this post!
Love, Ingrid

To those who have been so generous in helping me supply Tomo with needed art materials - thank you! I'm so blessed to know such kind people as you! Together, we have raised thirty seven dollars, and a box of loved art supplies has been donated. Yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Today I went to the art store and bought some things I thought were important for Tomo, as a new art journaler, to have: large tubes of acrylic paint in red, yellow, blue, black, and white; paint brushes; a glue stick; and water soluble pastels! It was such fun picking out these gifts, knowing that they will be cherished and well used. I will see if I can find any more papers, stickers, or ephemera to send along as well. I will be sure to include a little note with all the names of those who have been so kind and have helped her reach a dream!

If you would like to help, there is still plenty of opportunity! Shipping for these items will be pricey, and I (and Tomo!) would be grateful for whatever you have to give. Every dollar will be put to good use, and should there be any leftover money it will be put into a fund for other artists and given away on this blog. (Do you know of any beginning or needy artists who could use some help?) You can donate by PayPal or debit/credit card by clicking on the "Donate" button on the bottom of my left sidebar. Remember, too, that if you would like to instead donate art supplies, you can shoot me an email at mypeacetree2(at)gmail(dot)com.

Within the next few days I'll be putting everything together and sending it Tomo's way. More on this lovely little story to come! (Read Part I.)

This Moment

2010-08-14T23:52:00.002-04:00

Oh, my loves, where to begin? Please forgive me for the sparse postings as of late; the past week or two has been filled with frustration, tears, and trepidation as I choose a path for the next part of my journey. (Could you perhaps guess by my last post?) And, just two days ago, and a huge decision was made: I am going back to school this fall. Hooray! This means I will be moving taking - taking another leap of faith - in just two weeks' time.

I am not one who makes big decisions gracefully. I worry about making the "right" one (when in truth there is no "right" choice) and I fear that I will be forever confined to the choice I have made. I do not like eliminating opportunities by choosing one path to tread, and so often find myself lingering in limbo, neither moving forward nor experiencing any of the opportunities I might have had had I acted.

In the midst of all this struggle, I translated my inner turmoil onto paper. Taking a photograph of how I felt in that moment, surrounded by chaos, confusion, and uncertainty, I captured a single moment in my life - an unpleasant one. I printed the image and added color and detail. As I worked, my seething emotions ebbed, and the calm that stood in their place if only for a little while was absolutely lovely. I hope to work this painting into my art journal soon.

Dearests, yes, your art journal is a place for you to celebrate beauty, joy, and gratitude; but remember that it is also a good friend with eternally open arms. Into its pages you are invited to spill sorrow, anger, hurt - any negative emotion that weighs on your heart and mind. Your art journal will never judge you nor spill your secrets. You are a complex being, filled with the lightest light and the darkest dark, and that is what makes us such interesting, beautiful creatures. Do not be afraid to pour your heart onto its pages, weep, mourn, rage, splutter; express all of yourself, both the beautiful and the ugly.

Let your art journal reflect who you are - body, mind, and spirit!

PS. I will be buying art supplies for Tomo this week! A thousand thank-yous to each and every one of you who has been so, so generous in helping a new art journaler realize her dream. For more information on this project and to find out how to help, please read this post.

Confessions of a Restless Mind

2010-08-09T16:37:00.000-04:00

Detail of the background of a newly prepared canvas, waiting to be brought to life.

Every once in a while, I get restless. I long to leave behind all this routine, stress, and day-to-day ordinary and travel the world. I want to climb mountains, swim in oceans, make new friendships that will last a lifetime, paint, photograph, explore; I want to be a nomad, with nothing to tie me down and no responsibilities to hold me back.

Oh, but these daydreams are simply that -- daydreams. As much as I wish it were so, I cannot dream away the life I am slowly finding my way through; I do not have the means (nor the courage, I think) to embark on such an "outrageous" and "senseless" journey. I am blessed with everything I have, I know -- but sometimes, I want to trade it all for something that is less tangible but feels like so much more.

Maybe someday.

PS. Hooray! Artists are coming together to gift dreamed-of art supplies to a new art journaler. Find out how to help!

Art Supplies for Tomo

2010-08-05T16:14:00.005-04:00

All photos in this post are via Tomo's flickr. Go here for more peeks into her art journal.

Hello, dear friends!

Earlier this week, a young art journaler emailed me. Just beginning her journey, she wanted some advice on how to make the most of her limited art supplies. We had a very long exchange. Here is part of what she wrote:

Hi Ingrid! My name's Tomo, and I just discovered your art journals on flickr yesterday and got REALLY inspired to do my own since I'm exploding inside and usually can't think.

The thing is, I'm so limited to the things I can/want to use for my art journal. I know it's no excuse for an artist. My usual tools include watercolor pencils (I use the shavings to paint), highlighters, and markers for coloring. It gets me down, especially as an artist who's always been under supplied.

Could you give me a few tips [...]?

Tomo has a huge passion for art that is very apparent in her writing, and her newly begun art journal shows promise. Though she is determined to stay positive, my heart aches for an artist who has so few art supplies with which to express herself. I sent her a few small things, but here's what I've been thinking - and I haven't yet told this sweet girl any of this yet - I'd like to raise money to buy Tomo a few tubes of acrylic paint. Will you help me?

I would like to donate 10% of any purchases in either of my Etsy shops (here or here) towards this; I've also set up a PayPal account - you can donate directly using the new button in the sidebar or by clicking below. If you have any spare art supplies of your own you'd like to send to Tomo, please email me at mypeacetree2 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Acrylic paint is fairly cheap, about $4-5 per tube; I'd like to get her the basic colors - red, yellow, blue, black, and white. All donations will be used to buy and ship Tomo's paint, and if there are a few spare dollars I will purchase a few paintbrushes or other art materials for her. If it is cheaper to buy it online, I will do that instead of buying and sending it myself.

[PayPal button has been removed.]

And I will, of course, share every step of this process with you!

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity, sweet readers. I look forward to seeing how this all turns out!

Much love,

{EDIT}

And this, my friends, is what makes me think that she deserves, needs, and would be eternally grateful for your help. (She just received my initial package of a few art journalling papers and magazine cutouts today, after I wrote this post.)

"I GOT THEM I GOT THEM I GOT THEM!!! OH MY GOSH!!!! I just went to check the mail 3 minutes ago and saw a BIG package with super nice handwriting on it and was like "OH MY GOD!!! IT'S HERE!!!" I haven't even looked at EVERYTHING yet. I read the letter and I'm so thankful for everything you've done to help me get started and continue my art journaling experience. :) I'm so excited!!! I seriously appreciate everything, and I know I say it a lot, but I really can't say it enough!! *hug*

Thank you so much for every bit of inspiration you've given me in the one week we've known each other!"

Now, is that passion and excitement or what?!

Ripe Summer's Queen

2010-08-01T00:13:00.003-04:00

Summer flowers, taken July 2010.

So here's what happens when I check my email and see that I have a few new comments on a blog post:

I click on the link, and read what has been written.
I make an "aww.." sound, and a smile slowly spreads across my face and turns into a gigantic, silly grin.
I feel supremely, totally, amazingly loved.

You guys are the bestest. I wish I could give you all super big hugs, and then we'd sit down and talk for a long time about life and adventures and wonderful things, and I'd pour you tea or lemonade and offer homemade cookies. Then we'd lie on the floor and cut out magazine images and spread paint across journal pages and get messy and silly and happy.

I am so very blessed to have such friends as you. You make my day, each and every day, and I can't thank you enough for your kindness, support, love, and encouragement. You all are such beautiful individuals!

I have been writing back to many of the comments that I've received via email- have you gotten my messages? I worry that you are not receiving my expressions of gratitude, answers to questions, and responses to things you've said. I read every comment and I appreciate every single one immensely, and I do want you to know how humbled and thankful I am.

So - have you noticed? It's August! We are now two thirds of the way through 2010. How are you doing on your resolutions? I've been better to my body; I'm eating more healthily overall, though I'm not getting as much exercise as I was earlier in the year. I am creating more, and though I've taken a few leaps of faith, I am still working on being more fearless. I still have some work to do on all of my goals.

The new word of the month is remember. What sorts of things do you think back upon with fondness; which experiences do you try not to recall? What moments have made the biggest impact upon you? When were the times that you felt most beautiful, frightened, creative, adventuresome, foolish, or sad? Looking back into our past, even into the difficult times, can be healing when explored in a journal or art journal. Remember that you are loved and supported, and you do not have to relive unpleasant memories without the comforting warmth of kind people.

Do enjoy this last beautiful month of summer! Be in the here and now, soak up every last ray of sun, appreciate the smell of cut grass - and, yes, even the sometimes tiresome task of mowing! - sudden thunderstorms, and days at the pool. These days will not last much longer; and I do think that knowing that they will come to an end makes them all the more delicious.

Much love,

PS. This post's title comes from the following poem by R. Combe Miller:

Fairest of the months!

Ripe summer's queen,

The hey-day of the year!

With robes that gleam with sunny sheen

Sweet August doth appear.

"Secret" Spread

2010-07-30T13:44:00.004-04:00

"Beautiful girl, what is your deepest desire?" / "I cannot tell; it is a secret."

These are not the first pages in my new art journal, but they are the first finished pages. I'm so happy with this spread!

My new journal is quite a bit like my old one. It is about 9 inches by 12 and is bound in the same style as my other; this one, though, has black pages. It is quite different to build your work on something that has such a dark starting point, but I'll have to do a few more spreads before I can say whether I prefer white, black, or colored pages.

Lots of love!

PS. The beautiful lady's head is a free collage image from here.

Last Pages

2010-07-26T16:11:00.001-04:00

As promised, a few photos of my finished art journal! As I've shared so many pages with you along the way (which you can view through this Flickr set or by browsing my "art journal" tag), I thought I'd share two new spreads - the last two created between these covers. The yellow spread is one of my new favorites; it's playful, simple, and I love the odd and asymmetrical layout.

The mountainous photo above was the last page I journaled on, and felt a bit like a rite of passage to complete. The colors remind me of early evening, a short while after the sun has set - a perfect metaphor to end this art journal!

The covers, shown in detail below, were collaged with scraps of Chinese newspaper and sheet music, watercolors, gesso, acrylic paint, masking tape, and hand printouts. I had originally intended to use the hard covers of an old atlas, but am so happy with the spontaneity and color of these completed ones!

You can view several more photos here, including details of the spreads shown above. And, believe it or not, I have already bound together a new book - a smaller one, as I didn't have enough paper to make as many signatures - and am in the process of working on two spreads! Can't wait to show you what develops upon them.

The Start of Something Beautiful

2010-07-26T00:14:00.000-04:00

Woohoo! I finished my art journal! On Friday night I wrote on the last pages, bringing to a close ten months' worth of experimentation, frustration, and discovery. The book was created entirely by me; I bound it, choosing the colors for the pages and how large it would be; I gave it life and color and depth, and I am the one who pushed herself to finish something completely. Yep, I'll admit it: I'm so proud! And though I would have thought that I'd be sad to reach the end of these pages, I'm instead thrilled and terribly excited to continue my journey and unfold my story in a new journal!

So today, my loves, I have something rather exciting to share with you - the first ever videos created by me! I've seen journal flips popping up on all corners of the blogging world, and was terribly excited when I figured out that I can create videos on YouTube. For some reason, the first video cut of early, but I managed to make another video to show the rest. I tried to find music that wouldn't be too obnoxious, but if it really drives you crazy, please put your speakers on mute!

I think there's something so wonderful about seeing an artist's hands turning her own pages; it lends something so personal that still photos can't express. (Though I will take and post photos of the finished journal soon as well.) I do hope you enjoy!

Lots of love,

Ingrid

Find me on here on YouTube!

Photography Celebrations

2010-07-22T23:21:00.000-04:00

Taken July 2010.

Taken July 2009.

Hello, my sweets!

First things first: I have a new header! After playing around with a few different designs, I settled on the one you see above. I figured that, after more than a year, my little blog needed a bit of a new look. Do you like it?

And secondly - today is my camera's birthday! One year ago I got my dear Nikon d50, and together we've shared many walks, creative projects, and travels. (I've taken my camera to New York City, Germany, Croatia, West Virginia, and Holland!) Throughout this year I've become much more comfortable behind the lens; I have a better grasp on which buttons do which things, what light works and looks best, and which compositions make me happiest. I can't wait to see what the next year teaches me.

If you are looking for a fancier sort of camera that is relatively cheap, check out the d50. I found mine on eBay for a cheaper price, and it arrived in beautiful, new condition. The camera's picture quality is excellent, and it can be used as a point-and-shoot until you figure out the different settings. Another of my favorite things about it is the two rechargeable batteries that it came with; I can use one for hours, and when it runs out of juice I can put the other in - no more of that "use six AA batteries until the camera dies twenty minutes later" thing.

Anyway, I'm selling several professionally printed photos here! And if you check out my Flickr photostream and see something you like, I'd be happy get it printed and list it on Etsy for you, just because I love you that much.

Happy Friday!

Printables - Hands and Flowers

2010-07-21T19:08:00.001-04:00

I was searching the internet yesterday for free, royalty-free images to use in my artwork. (It is very important, you know, to make sure that you aren't hurting anyone by using their uncredited copyrighted work in your own projects, including your blog.) I didn't find much, and had the idea to begin making freebies for all my lovelies here to use.

Look! My first set of illustrations, free for you to print out, cut up, color, and use as you like in your personal art. Just click on the image below and a larger version will appear - then you can save it to your desktop. I'd appreciate it, if you share this, to credit it to me!

Click on image to view larger!

I'm hoping to ride this creative tide and make a few more sheets - do you have any requests? What sorts of printable images would you like to use in your artwork? I've been brainstorming: the alphabet, simple faces you can fashion to your liking, quotes, numbers, more flowers, trees, animals, eyes and lips, journal prompts.. There are so many possibilities!

Oh, and do please share if you've come across any other excellent royalty-free images in your searchings!

You Vs. That Beautiful White Page

2010-07-20T00:36:00.000-04:00

The very first page of my new sketchbook,

part of the Sketchbook Project.

Begin.

It's a word much, much easier said than done, especially when it comes to art. Behold the dreaded First Page above! It is white, beautiful, smooth, clean, and unmarked - but it is also ordinary, silent, with nothing to say, waiting for you to transform it into something only your mind can imagine and only your hands can create.

Are you intimidated by the White Page? You are not alone! Try this: take a deep breath and close your eyes. Reach around you, and use whatever art supply you first find to make a mark on the paper. It can be small and quickly done, though it will make a bigger impact if you push yourself to make a larger mark. Now open your eyes - and hopefully this mark will break the spell of the First Page and you will be free to explore, play, and experiment! If you find yourself still stuck for ideas, give one (or more!) of these a go:

Make a list - things you can see, things you can hear, things you can feel.
Splash on some color - use markers, crayons, watercolors, acrylics, pens, colored pencils, or highlighters.
Write one word in large letters across two pages.
Add some texture - glue in images, scrap paper, receipts, tickets, bits of newspaper, and tissue paper.
Drip watered down paint or india ink across the pages.
Cover a whole page with your writing, without stopping.
Do a blind contour drawing - while looking at an object, try to trace its outline without lifting your pen or looking at the page.

With practice, beginning a page becomes easier and easier, and the battle of starting a new journal becomes easier. Promise! Now go give it a try, and see how brave and proud you feel when the First Page is dripping in color.

Interview on Art Journaling

2010-07-15T22:26:00.008-04:00

Hello, dearests! I wrote this post before I heard the exciting news that Connie was inviting art journalers who hadn't been featured on her blog to share their stories on the last day in July. I've added more visual goodness and at the end you'll find the Short Bio that I hadn't included before. Thanks so very much for visiting - it's absolutely lovely to have you here!

If you want to conduct your own interview, you can add the link to Connie's list here.

July 2010. Blogged here.

There's an incredible celebration of all things art journal over at Connie Hozvicka's blog. All through the month of July, she is interviewing featuring an art journaler each (and every!) day - and let me tell you, there is some gorgeous stuff to be found there!

I asked Connie if I might be featured, but she told me that all the interview spots had been filled. No surprise there, as it's an incredible opportunity to get your name out, share your artwork, and perhaps snag a few more readers. I thought, though, that if I wasn't able to give an interview there I might share the answers to her questions here. Interested? Here we go!

April 2010. Originally blogged here.

December 2009. Originally blogged here.

*How long have you been art journaling?

I'm not quite sure exactly when it was - I began by dipping my toes into something I didn't yet know had its own name, unaware of others experimenting the same way as I. In high school I discovered book altering through (what I think was) this book, and played with the idea for some time before coming across the beauty that is art journaling blogs.

*How has art journaling impacted, changed, or enhanced your life?

Through art journaling I have become much more confident with my art. I have expanded my ability to express inner thoughts and emotion, and have become unafraid to play, experiment, and try new things. It's liberating!

June 2010.

*What are a few of your favorite art journaling materials to use?

Acrylic paint, glue sticks, magazine images, and my own handwriting. Other things I use: oil pastels, crayons, stamps, gel medium, image transfers, found ephemera, string, packing tape, masking tape, hole punches, watercolors, india ink, and gesso.

*Who are some of your favorite art journalers?

iHanna (whose interview with Connie can be found here, and who first introduced me to the term "art journaling"), Juliana Coles, Diana Trout, Samantha Kira, and Erin Kenepp - among many, many others. Go here to view my favorite art journal pages on Flickr!

*What kind of encouragement would you say to an art journal newbie?

Don't give up! It can be so hard to start - especially if you are focusing only on the final result and desperately want to be happy with your work, but haven't had the experience yet to create something you are proud of. Keep trying. Turn the page and start again. Keep painting, keep experimenting, keep working, push through the doubts and the possible disappointment, and with time you will find what styles, colors, and processes work for you!

March 2010. Originally posted here.

*Where can we contact you? Give us some link LOVE!

Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Etsy - hand bound books, original art, and other handmade goodness
Etsy - original photographs
Delicio.us - where I've saved all my bookmarks (and add more frequently!)
Bloglovin' / Networked Blogs - easy ways to follow this blog

*Short Bio

Ingrid is a twenty-something living in a city for the first time in her life. These things inspire her; these are the things she strongly believes in. Read more about her and this blog here!

Finished art journal!

And there you have it! Do stop by Connie's project when you have a few spare minutes, and be prepared to be inspired. She will be interviewing new artists throughout the rest of the month, so be sure to check back often.

Lots of love,

Appreciation of the Here and Now

2010-07-11T21:33:00.000-04:00

I love coming home to visit the tiny town where my mama and brother live. I love the sounds of summer, uninterrupted by the sounds of traffic: the hundreds of birds, the cicadas, the wind in the trees, the occasional train rumbling by.

I love the smell of freshly mown grass and hose water on hot pavement, and seeing the golden afternoon sunlight drench the world into lazy happiness.

I love being able to walk barefoot on the sidewalks.

I love the abundant nature - the canopies of stretching trees, unfurling flowers, gurgling streams, and squirrels and rabbits bounding away from my approach.

And I love that living in a city - being away from all of these things for months at a time- reminds me to fully appreciate every sound, sight, and smell of this place and to recognize the preciousness and beauty in every moment.

Envelope Tutorial

2010-07-09T15:49:00.000-04:00

Hello, my loves!

It's been hot hot hot here - true summer weather with temperatures in the high 90s. Today, for the first time in what feels like years, I awoke to rain making the trees outside my window dance. I do love rain; it's so soothing, quiet and steady, and makes the world feel cozy and calm. I hope that this indicates that the heat will recede a bit, for though I love summer, I prefer not to feel like I'm melting into a puddle.

Back in May, I had several giveaways to celebrate my blog's anniversary. When I shipped the gifts, I included a letter to the winner sealed in a handmade envelope. I received many compliments on them, and was asked how they were made; today, I'd like to share that with you!

The process is very simple and an envelope can be made in a matter of minutes. When you've finished several envelopes, you can use them in your art journal, make an envelope journal, or leave sweet notes for strangers or friends!

1. Print out (or sketch by hand) a template for your envelope on stiff paper. You can find many online - this is the closest to the template I used.

2. Trace around the template onto the paper you wish you use for your envelope. Cut along the outer lines.

3. Fold along the tabs, and use a glue stick to secure the bottom flap to the side tabs. Let it dry for a few minutes - and tada! Done!

Tomorrow I head home for an annual family reunion; Sunday you'll be able to find me excitedly watching the World Cup final. What are you up to this weekend?

The Sketchbook Project

2010-07-06T21:21:00.000-04:00

My sweet friend Brandi showed me something called The Sketchbook Project a short while ago, and I pulled some money together and signed up just this weekend. It's such a great art project! Here's what the website has to say about it:

"Thousands of sketchbooks will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the country. After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view. Anyone - from anywhere in the world - can be a part of the project."

Amazing, right? For $25, your art will be on display around the country! When you sign up, you get to choose a pre-listed theme and will receive a brand new Moleskine with a colored cover of your choice. You can sign up through October, but note that while there are many choices for themes and covers, fewer choices will be available the longer you wait.

I'm terribly excited to get mine and start experimenting. I hope to finish up my current art journal by the time I receive (and start working in) my Moleskine, so I can dedicate all my time and energy to it. It's a realistic goal, as I'm very close to finishing what I consider my first "real" art journal!

I know that my friend Ashley over at The Paper Phantom is thinking about signing up for The Sketchbook Project; do let me know if you're going to take part, too! I'd love to follow your journey and inspire and be inspired by your work. I'll be sure to share with you my pages here, and I encourage you to support Ashley if she takes the leap.

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T11:32:00.002-04:00

Wishing a wonderful day to my sweet readers, Americans and non-Americans alike!

In the Midst

2010-07-01T17:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome, July, with your hot, lazy days and cloudless skies! Now begins the first full month of summer - and already the year is half over! I began a list this morning of the things I've accomplished thus far and all those things that I hope to complete by the end of this year. What is on your list?

The new word of the month - well, I'd like to hear your thoughts on that, too. What will be your focus this month? What are you working towards? What do you need to be aware of and reminded of? What word do you choose? Personally, I need to focus on trusting that I am exactly where I need to be at this moment; I also need to pour some energy into my dreams and do a little searching to see what I truly hope to do and become.

Yesterday I had a lovely art session with one of my close friends. We painted, collaged, and got lost in color (see photo above). It was wonderful, and a reminder of what art can mean for me if I pour myself into it. Let's start of this month with lots of creativity, pushing ourselves to explore, discover, experiment, and play!

Time for Creativity

2010-06-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

From a large canvas painting that has been sitting

in the corner some time, waiting to be finished.

All too often, we are swept up in our obligations: work, study, events, children, errands. So many of us find that there is not enough time in the day to not only complete the things we need to do, but do the things we want to do. Art, photography, and general creativity may fall to the wayside, waiting for us to take it up again "when we have the time".

This is a sad circle that is easily begun and, in some cases, never seems to end. I've found myself in this situation recently, caught up in schedules and places to be; my art has been suffering. I miss creating and experimenting in my art journal. I miss blogging. I miss doing the things I love to do, and I miss interacting with the wonderful friends I have made here.

The solution, I believe, is to fly in the face of any excuse you might tell yourself by starting immediately, without allowing your mind to debate. If you have fifteen minutes, ten, five, or two, use it - don't read, get on the internet, or lie down. Pick up a paint brush. Cut images from a magazine. Write half a page on a topic that interests you, or simply make a list of things you'd like to write about. Snap a picture or two. You don't have to do anything grand, complete, or impressive.

I find that once I begin creating, no matter if I'm tired or uninspired, I feel art's pull once again and am able to ride a creative wave - and in the end I feel relaxed, inspired, and centered. The trick is to just begin. As you finish this post, why don't you close the browser window, let the computer sleep, and give yourself a five minute craft break? The time is there; you - and I - just have to use it!

Note from the Universe

2010-06-25T16:14:00.006-04:00

And look - how appropriate in light of my last post!

"With self-confidence, Ingrid, the world bows to greet you and coincidence becomes your partner.

And self-confidence comes from loving yourself.

And loving yourself comes from knowing that you are, still, exactly who I most want to be.

And so I am,
The Universe"

You can sign up to receive your own daily dose of love from the Universe here. Happy, happy weekend, my loves!

Healing with Love

2010-06-24T17:49:00.000-04:00

Photo via glenrichards

Every one of us struggles with our identity at some point. We question who we are and what we have to give to the world. We compare ourselves to others, and wonder if we truly are unique or if we are merely a drop in the ocean. We face criticisms and complaints from others and from ourselves, and sometimes our faith in who we are – and what purpose we have – is shaken.

We are often told that to recognize and accept the things we treasure about ourselves is immodest.

"I have beautiful eyes."
"I am a very good guitar player."
"I am intelligent."

We can (and should!) accept and celebrate ourselves – and it is not at all wrong to love oneself nor to be unafraid to admit it! We can certainly do so in a positive way free from narcissism and arrogance.

We are undoubtedly our harshest critics. There is a quote - “We judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions.” Only we can see the inner workings of our mind; we experience our darkest thoughts and our most unkind feelings. We censor ourselves to the outer world, but are completely exposed to ourselves, and so we berate ourselves for harsh things we have not said and cruel things we have not done. We often judge ourselves for these unexpressed things – but how unfair that is! “We judge others by their actions, and ourselves by our intentions.” Pay attention to the kind things you have done and the sympathetic words you have spoken, for actions speak so very much louder than words – especially words that are unsaid.

From today forward, be gentle with yourself. Show yourself love, kindness, and patience - as you would any dear friend. And remember these four Truths - for they are undoubtedly, absolutely, unchangingly true -

You are appreciated.
You are wanted.
You matter.
You are loved.

Everyday Happenings

2010-06-21T18:44:00.000-04:00

Oh, my - a whole week since I've blogged? Time is flying by so quickly! Let me give you a little update on what has been happening in my life recently.

I've found some wonderful friends and we have been swimming, barbecuing, window shopping, and giggling together.
I won a giveaway from the talented Erin Knepp!
I've finally found a job and have been working the few hours I've been given (and trying to snag some more).
I've been reading and reading and reading - I've finished more than fourteen books in the past three months!
Celebrating the first day of summer.
One of my photographs has been accepted to be published in a free NYC brochure, along with my name and a link to my Flickr account!
I've been updating a few things on my blog, too. Check out the left sidebar - find out more about me and My Peacetree, browse my favorite blogs, leave a suggestion, read my copyright, or find all of my Day Zero Project in one place.

How have you been, my loves - happy and well, I hope? Have you been creating and playing and soaking up this beautiful sunshine? Summer always makes me feel like I'm sparkling; I'm all smiles, full of energy, and so grateful to be alive! The color that surrounds me makes me burst with happiness, and I love the sun's kisses on my face.

I shall be back soon, I promise - and with pictures, too!

With love,