Taking a break from the blog - Stay creative and follow your dreams.

Be back soon! Julie

I'm finally living my creative dreams and they just keep growing. Last week I decided to go deeper into the arts by going back to school for a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. It's a degree that I can utilize in so many ways. I'm shocked that I took the step and excited about the future that includes all of my passions - art, yoga, and writing.

Creatively yours,
Julie :-)

I wanted to send some sisterly love to my dear sister Melissa, so I created this card. This is my first attempt to make a mixed media card. This is also my first attempt at drawing the Petit Doll's. I'm in Suzi Blu's Beginners Petit Doll drawing class. It is awesome.

Front of Card



Inside of Card



Back of Card



Love you Sissy!!

With February coming to a close it's time to reflect back and feel some gratitude for my accomplishments.

1. Sent out 6 queries to national magazines.

2. Sent out 8 letters of introduction to local publications.

3. Landed a cool writing gig where I can write about entrepreneurship and also
interview entrepreneurs.

4. Submitted 5 articles / interviews for publication.

5. Completed True North Vision Journaling Workshop.

6. Started going to solar flow yoga classes. They are awesome!!

7. Made an appointment to check out the Graphic Design program at the
KC Art Institute. So excited. Will blog about after my meeting / tour.

8. Celebrated my 41st birthday.

I'm thankful for all that I accomplished and that I continue to take steps to reach my goals.

I wanted to share another very cool mixed-media artist that I found. Her name is Traci Bautista and here are links to her awesome sites.

http://www.youtube.com/user/treicdesigns#p/f

http://www.treicdesigns.com/


http://creativityunleashed.ning.com/

She also has some very cool books out. Last night I ordered Collage Unleashed and can not wait to get it in my hands.

Stay creative,
Julie

Week 6: Passion

This is the final week of the True North Arts Vision Journaling Workshop. This week we had to look at the key ingredients to making our dreams come true and following our
passions.

Here is my visualization card:



I'm so glad I took this class. Creating a visual piece to look at on a day to day basis helps in so many ways.

This piece reminds me:

* Reaching my Bliss by following my passions of yoga, art, and writing.

* Keep taking steps everyday to reach my bliss

* Always remember: Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you. ~~ Mahatma Gandhi

* Create, Believe, Trust, Gratitude, Love, Live Authentic

Woke up not feeling to hot today but thankfully the hubby is home today and took the time to make beef stew. Creating a nice meal is a wonderful form of creativity.
Love ya baby!

Started the weekend off with an awesome Solar Flow yoga class at Kansas Siddhi Yoga in the Crossroads Art District. There is something inspirational about being in the heart of the city when it's starting to awake for the day, then after feeling rejuvenated from yoga, leaving the studio to see the city fully awake with its hustle and bustle.

Yea!!!! I'm so excited. I found out yesterday that I was excepted into the Kansas Siddhi Yoga school. http://www.moyoga.com/ It's a very intensive program and I am so excited. The program will start this summer.

Namaste :-)

I finally took pics and uploaded my art work for my art visioning class. The best part of the class is seeing everyone's artwork. So inspiring.

Week 1: Relaxation

We had to create mini vision cards with the message of "I can relax and let go by...".



* How I relax and let go ... Yoga, Meditate, Read, and Create.

Week 2: Core Values

We had to create a vision card with our core values.



* My core values are ... Live Authentically, Dream Big, Have Fun, Believe, Be Creative, Give Thanks, Spiritually, Love, Entrepreneur, Trust My Ideas.

Week 3: Positive Intentions

We had to create a vision card with our clear, positive intentions.



* My positive intentions are: I AM the key to the change in my life, Live & Work Creatively -> Write ->Etsy Shop, Teach & Share Yoga, Always an entrepreneur, Play like a rookie & always try new things.

Week 4: Picturing Your Dream

We had to create a vision for our life. I had already done my 2010 vision board which I will post again.



* 2010 Visions

Week 5: Willingness & Blocks

We had to create vision cards with some limiting blocks and how we kill the inner critic.



* Yes I Can !!!!!!

Week 6: To Come later

Having an Über creative day. I've wrote three kick ass articles this morning. Will be doing some photography this afternoon. Should have pics ready to upload from the Vision Journaling Workshop that I'm in.

What are you creating today?

In spite of the cold, snowy weather in KC, me and the hubby ventured out to the grill. We grilled sirloins wrapped in bacon. With the asparagus, ranch style beans, and baked potato we had a fabulous dinner. Here's a pic of our plates. Yes, we ate all of it.


I also completed all of my art projects for the True North Vision - Vision Journaling Workshop. As soon as I shoot some pics, I'll get them uploaded to the blog.

Staying Creative,
Julie

Happy Valentine's Day!! I received this sweet card from my hubby, We're going to spend the day watching movies and creating some mixed media art.

Thank's to everyone who sent me birthday wishes. I had a great day that started with a relaxing morning drinking coffee with the hubby. He then took me to the Olive Garden for lunch. I can not tell you how awesome the food was. I had the Four Cheese Stuffed Pansotti's with Chicken. It was out of this world. You must give it try. It's one of those "limited time only" dishes. You can visit their site for more information at http://www.olivegarden.com/specials/.

We then headed to some craft stores and perused the isles for more ideas for my Esty shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/toobizylady

Then we headed over to Kansas City in search of some cool art. While sitting at a stoplight in Wesport, we noticed a real art supply store. I put the breaks on, circled the block and found a parking spot right in front. I think we spent an hour or more just walking the isle's and of course I found a few things I needed for my mixed media projects. If you're ever in the area, be sure to check them out. Here is link to their website. http://www.creativecoldsnow.com/

After stopping by the house to let Hank out to do his business, we headed back out to my favorite Border's Books and hung out until about 8 o'clock. I perused the magazine isle looking at the newest art and crafting magazines. My favorites are all of the Somerset Studio magazines. They cover everything from mixed media to where women create. I especially love this edition as it is so inspirational to see where other artist create. How they incorporate their art with their life and their families. Check out their site for more information at http://www.somersetstudio.com/.

We then finished off the night with the last two pieces of the wonderful birthday cake my lovely mother brought over the weekend. Here's a picture the hubby snapped:



We also celebrated my birthday over the weekend with my mom, lil sis, and future lil bro in-law. We had some fabulous wine, great bbq and yes, birthday cake. My mom, also known as, Fancy Nancy, is also a crafter. She made me this cool retro looking t-towel with a puppy in honor of Hank. Here's a picture:




Thanks mom, lil sis (Melissa) and future lil bro (Timmyyyyy)for coming and celebrating with me and the hubby. I love you all very much!! :-)

Good Italian + Perusing Art + Browsing Bookstores + Hubby = Fabulous 41st Birthday.

Nothing helps your creativity more that getting out of the office and meeting a good friend for lunch and catching up on our lives. Yesterday, I had lunch with Marci. We had some great Chinese and conversation.

Part of my 2010 Visioning is take some time at the end of the month to reflect on goals I have met. With January coming to a close it's time to reflect back. Here is a short list:

1. Started Life Style Blog - Hello! You're here. :-) Releasing My Inner Artist

2. Made a contact who writes for Entrepreneur magazine.

3. Turned in my final paper for the Freelance Writing program that I'm in. Patiently waiting for my final grade.

4. Enrolled in Suzi Blu's Les Petit Dolls Class (Mixed Media Drawing Class). So excited. You should check her out. http://suziblu.ning.com/

5. Set up my Esty shop Too Bizy Lady Gifts, an Etsy Gift Boutique. You can check it out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/toobizylady I will be finalizing my product list this week, then it's time to get busy and start crafting. I love creating and crafting. That is when I'm at peace.

6. I set up a blog that will co-inside with my Etsy shop. This is where I'll post crafting and shop updates. You can check it out at www.toobizylady.com

7. You can also follow me on Titter at toobizlady. I'll be keeping my Twitter followers up-to-date by Tweeting the latest shop news.

8. I started as a contributing writer for Secrets of Success Women Entrepreneurs.
Check out my January article at http://womenentrepreneursecrets.blogspot.com/2010/01/when-networking-check-group-at-door.html

I am so thankful for the things that I accomplished and that I continue to take steps everyday to create the life of my dreams.

Namaste,
Julie

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook

I have been enjoying some fun playtime with my grand-kids while waiting for a new round of snow to come. In honor of the snow I found this cool mixed media picture on Flickr. Snowflakes inspire creativity. They are each unique like a piece of art.

In honor of my cool grand-kids visiting I found this fun Elmo eggshell mosaic.

My awesome grand-kids are in town visiting. Me and the hubby have been enjoying some fun playtime with Aedan, Halle, and Taylor.

While coloring with Halle in her favorite Hello Kitty coloring book. She said, "Grandma, you have to add lines here and here." I was carefully coloring in the lines and Halle was adding color and extra lines.

Maybe in life we should color out of the lines a bit more.

I my grand-daughter Halle recently celebrated her 3rd birthday. Halle loves her baby dolls so I decided to lovingly crochet a blanky for her baby dolls. I used a granny square design. I learned how to make granny squares from my granny *funny* when I was a young girl. Maybe one day I'll pass this artistic skill on to Halle. :-)

Monday I had major cabin fever. Which is a side affect from working from home. I rarely come down with the fever but was hit hard Monday. So I finished up the task that needed to be done then headed out for a rare Monday Artist Date.

First stop - Jo-Ann's Fabrics. I had never been into Jo-Ann's before and was pleasantly surprised. They carry everything from craft supplies to home decor. Due to the awesome sale they where having I stocked up on supplies to keep my creative adventure going. See picture above.

Second stop - Micheal's. This is my regular stop for craft items. Since it is near my house it's convenient to stop in when I have an extra minute or two. I love walking up and down the isle's in search of sparks of creativity.

Last stop - Border's Book's. This is my favorite thing to do for my weekly relaxation and artist date trip's. I particularly love the magazine section where you learn just about anything. Especially in the crafting isle.

Here is my recommended supply list. You can do just about any craft with these.

1. Sketchbook or blank journal. ( Use for sketching or mixed media journals)

2. Rub on Words or Letters

3. Craft Paint 3-D Writer Glitter Silver Glitz

4. Gesso

5. Water soluble or oil pastels

6. Gel pens

7. White out pen

8. Black Bold Favor Artist Pen

9. Golden Gel Medium - Semi - Gloss

10. Masking tape

11. Color pencil - soft tips

12. Sharpies - Black (Wide and Fine tip)

13. Double sided tape

14. Paint Brushes - #6 and 1/2 inch

15. Magazines - for collaging or mixed media art

Way cool isn't it. I added some sparkle to my Planner Pad. To help inspire my daily creativity I added the following:

* Color - Love color

* Inspirational quotes

* Pictures that remind me of my goals

* Part of a beautiful Xmas card from my sister. - Love you Sis!! :-)

* A reminder that I'm a Boho girl and a Hip Tranquil Chick. - Cool manifestos


What can you add sparkle too?

Isn't it cute! It's my New Year, New You petal. I started off the year attending Kimberly Wilson's New Year, New You Teleclass. http://www.kimberlywilson.com/events.html

I started attending Kimberly's seasonal workshop's last summer. They are an awesome way to get aligned with your goals and dreams.

Here are the topics that we covered:

1. Recurring Self-Reflections
* What are the highlights and lessons learned in 2009?
* How are the first few days feeling of 2010?
* Where do I want to be in one year from now?

2. Let's Get Spiritual
* Pen your thoughts
* Meditate
* Aroma therapy
* Write in a Gratitude Journal
* Set up a sacred place
* Record your dreams
* Chant
* Connect with nature

3. Give Back
* Volunteer
* Give green gifts
* Give homemade gifts
* Do a volunteer vacation
* Do a charity drive
* Reduce,Reuse, Recycle

4. Chic Creativity
* Book store browsing
* Art gallery
* Live music
* Craft stores
* Stickers
* Go to a matinee
* De-clutter
* Write

5. Sassy Style
* Red lipstick
* Play with your look
* Throw on some flair like earrings, a scarf, bold eye glasses
* Fun outerwear like a fun bag, belts
* Cut your hair or get a new doo

6. Nurture Your Spirit
* Hot bath soak
* Yoga
* Go to bed early
* Have a bed day - yes, stay in bed all day
* Create a staycation
* Plan your next vacation
* Where do you want to go in 2010?
* Rod trip!
* Host dinner parties once a month. Have some fun friends over.

7. Just Do It
* Get clear on your dreams
* Explore your strengths
* Reward yourself for your accomplishments
* Take ONE step each day toward each dream

8. Bask in Being Yourself
* Focus on where you shine
* Focus on what your good at
* Pat yourself on the back - regularly!
* Push you edges

What would your petals say? Create one today. Join Kimberly's next Teleclass Bloom into Spring on March 22nd. http://www.kimberlywilson.com/events.html
*

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I have the whole afternoon to peruse some of my favorite blogs and the list continues to grow. I always gain so much inspiration. What better way to add a little creativity to your day.

Here are a few of my favorites:

http://www.kimberlywilson.com/blog

http://artmarketmistress.wordpress.com/

http://robyn-michelle-lee.blogspot.com/

http://lisasonorabeam.com

http://martawrites.blogspot.com/

http://www.peoniesandpolaroids.com/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

http://collagediva.typepad.com/truenorth/

http://alovelydream.com/site/Welcome.html

http://www.treicdesigns.com/

Spending this awesome Saturday relaxing, crafting, and reading.

Here are a few things that make my heart flutter.

1. Creating - Anything. :-)

2. Learning - I'm a life long learner.

3. Yoga - Omm

4. Reading - I'm a bibliophile.

5. Writing - Journaling, Non-fiction articles,

6. Following my heart :-)

Auh! There it is. My 2010 Vision board complete. I hung it in my office where I can see it everyday. I also uploaded a picture and use for my desktop photo. I also use the picture as my background on my Blackberry. :-)





Here are my 2010 visions:

1. Finish my yoga teacher training.

2. Grow my freelance writing business.

3. Write for national publications - Fit Yoga, Complete Woman, Herlife, Home Business,The New York Times, Redbook, More. This is just a few. I need to get to work. :-)

4. Workshops to attend - Writers & Editors and YogaFit.

5. Live with more creativity and flair.

6. Launch my Etsy Store.

7. Check out some do-gooding. Leaning towards the Red Cross.

8. Start a new blog. (DONE :-))

9. Establish my signature style.

10. Live a more mindfully extravagant life.

11. Play often.

12. Trust my ideas.

These are the major ones. I also sprinkled in affirmations to keep me moving in a positive direction.

As I am working on my 2010 vision board - pics to come - I thought this year I would take time to reflect on my 2009 accomplishments. It can seem that life is a blur when we are running here and there trying to accomplish so many things. At the end of the year you are like - wow! did I accomplish anything? So it is essential to reflect on the things we did accomplish. This also keeps us excited and motivated to keep moving on.

Here is my list for 2009:

1. Closed a business that I hated. :-)

2. Continued my writing classes.

3. Finished my first e-book.

4. Launched a new website for my freelance writing business.

5. Started yoga teacher in training.

6. Started taking a step everyday to make my dreams a reality.

7. Started putting my writing out there.

8. I'm a writer. :-)

9. Enrolled in the True North Arts Vision Journaling Workshop.

Starting this year, I note each accomplishment in my planner pad. This will allow me to reflect on my accomplishments at month-end. This will also let me to see where I spend my time.

Welcome to my new blog - Releasing My Inner Artist. It's a bit late. My plans were to have it up by January 1st complete with my first post. This blog will chronicle my adventures in finding creativity in my every day life.