tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945574995392307322024-02-19T19:20:46.727-07:00Creative ARTitudes[by Cynthia Hanna]Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-56621529721762702322013-01-24T22:12:00.000-07:002013-02-02T00:58:40.552-07:00Creativity with the Kindle FireMy daughter gave me a Kindle Fire for Christmas and I was initially skeptical of its value to me. I'm an avid reader and have been known to finish a book in one day. I love my books; I love having bookcases full of them and stacks of them by my bed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my creativity related books. Recognize any of the titles?</td></tr>
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When I moved from a 3 bedroom house to a small 2 bedroom apartment, I weeded out a lot of reading material. I donated to thrift stores, to the public library and even took stacks of books to the local used bookstore and donated over $100.00 worth of book credits to a friend when I moved. Five bookcases stuffed with books became three bookcases and then two. I know my kids were entertaining thoughts of my having only one bookcase, or even none, but I couldn't even contemplate letting go of more.<br />
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I'm pretty sure that my kids are hoping that having the Kindle will mean that I'll stop collecting physical books. But do I think that it will replace the feel of a book in my hands, the touch of pages on my fingertips or the visual beauty of having book spines lined up in glorious color on a shelf? Definitely not! I am, after all, still the little girl who spent hours each day at the library around the corner (I ran into my favorite librarian 20 plus years later - and she still remembered me!) and dreamed of having a library of her own.<br />
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I have to admit though, that I am liking this whole Kindle thing! A month after the holidays, I have over 200 ebooks saved to this new electronic gadget of mine, most of which I've found for free via a newsletter - <a href="http://www.weberbooks.com/kindle/">Kindle Buffet</a>. I actually started collecting ebooks in October, using Amazon's free Kindle for PC or Mac program.<br />
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And, while that's wonderful enough on its own, what is really making me love the Kindle is that I've discovered that I can download videos to it from my computer and this is where the creativity with the Kindle Fire comes in.<br />
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Yes!!! Art videos, art journaling videos, craft videos...oh, my goodness!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you like the background? My four year old grandson and I created it together with homemade alcohol ink sprays and tissue paper!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I'm over the top excited because it means that I can not only watch my videos from last years Willowing's Lifebook class, but also from Effy Wild's Book of Days class, Stephanie Gagos' wonderful workshops and Sheri Ann Ponzi's Angels In My Studio workshop - but I can also take the videos with me into my corner of the bedroom studio! Woot! <br />
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That may not seem like a big thing. But I wasn't often able to watch the videos on my computer because my computer stopped doing whatever it needs to do to allow it (can you tell I'm technologically challenged? Lol) and I haven't been able to find a solution or afford repairs. Not a problem with the Kindle!<br />
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It also means that my fibromyalgia, fibro fog, arthritis and disabilities won't be as detrimental to my creativity because I won't be having to travel from the computer desk in the living room to my art table in the bedroom. All of that back and forth traveling just wasn't helpful for my pain levels OR my memory issues.<br />
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Creativity with the Kindle Fire - oh yeah! I'm totally looking forward to getting back into my art journaling and other creative projects this year!<br />
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Are there things that interfere with your own creativity (whether or not you have health or disability issues)? Have you found ways to move around the roadblocks and challenges that keep you from creating? Please share...it's something I always need help with, and I know I'm not alone!<br />
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Shared on the <a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/01/friendship-friday-books.html">Friendship Friday link-up</a><br />
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Shared on <a href="http://lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com/2013/01/no-rules-weekend-blog-party-33.html">Paula's No Rules Weekend Blog Party</a><br /></div>
Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-63906997064931383612012-12-04T16:10:00.000-07:002012-12-04T16:10:22.778-07:00Create Your Incredible YearI've just printed up my copy of the 2013 Create Your Incredible Year workbook, planner
& calendar! I love it and think that it's going to be an incredible advantage for me this coming year!<br />
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It's a super popular & useful tool to help you
plan out and create your most incredible year in life or business
(or both - this years includes a business component - hooray!).<br />
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The Create Your Incredible Year workbook, planner and calendar has been in existence for four years, during which thousands of women have used it with the most amazing results. It’s been used by entrepreneurs, artists, mamas, creatives, coaches, teachers
and women of all ages, giving them simple yet powerful tools and techniques to help them dream their biggest dreams and to actually MAKE THEM HAPPEN too. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2013 Planners Are Here!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Both workbooks are filled with dozens of pages of worksheets AND a printable calendar
to help you dream, manifest, set your intentions, plan & grow your
amazing year. Everything is illustrated in vibrant colors with lovely, uplifting drawings (they'll make you smile)… perfect for
you to print out & get thoroughly inspired by!<br />
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I'll be using mine to help me get clarity on what I need 2013 to be. What I want to create during the coming twelve months (and my new year is going to be filled with new, positive changes!). And most importantly, I'll have help in knowing how to make those things happen. It's going to be an evolutionary tool in the sense that it's going to help me evolve my life into more positive, prosperous spaces!<b></b><br />
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<b>For more information on getting your own set of workbooks, the planner and the calendar, click <a href="http://bit.ly/TZBxUA">Create Your Incredible Year</a></b><br />
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And, just to let you know, I am an affiliate as well so if you choose to join me in creating an incredible year for ourselves, I will earn a small percentage (and will be grateful for that as well!). <b> </b>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-18073332721090813082012-11-23T14:33:00.000-07:002012-11-23T14:33:59.206-07:00I've Won!!I am SO excited to learn that I've won Elizabeth's recent giveaway, posted <a href="http://elizabethglz.com/blog/2012/11/a-spectacular-giveaway-just-for-you/">here</a>. And I won, not one wonderful prize, but two.<br />
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Excited probably isn't the best description though - maybe over-the-top, jumping-up-and-down and wanting-to-dance happy would be closer, lol. <br />
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I'd been sitting at my computer when I read Elizabeth's email and let out a very loud 'Woot' and then immediately had to get up and burn off some of that happy dance energy, singing 'I've won! I've won! Woohoo! I've won!' My movements may be limited, but moving was the only way to deal with that level of energy. <br />
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What, exactly, did I win? The first was this beautiful pillow with it's colorful and whimsical art: <br />
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A bicycle, bird, flower and hearts - what's not to love?? This is one pillow that I won't be sharing with my grandson. I love him to pieces, but he's a toddler - and messy like most toddlers. No messes on my new pillow, please!<br /><br />
The second is a place in the upcoming E-Course: <em><a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6j6pqho87a3eaf3&llr=igwt7qjab">Mixed Media-From an Original to Multiple products</a>, </em>which begins in early January!<em></em><br />
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With all of my focus having been on getting through several major flares (I've called them my A-Z flares because everything had massively amplified - pain and other symptoms from my fibromyalgia, arthritis, degenerative disc disease and feet), making huge lifestyle changes and finding ways to survive with a severe shortage of income, I haven't been making art.<br />
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I think that the New Year will see me in a new, healthier and more balanced place, and being in Elizabeth's course will definitely help to give me new incentive and motivation to bring art back into my life. Woohoo! I am SO ready!<em></em><br />
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You can find more information about the course by clicking the link above. Maybe we'll be classmates! Be sure to visit Elizabeth's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elizabethglz">shop</a>, <a href="http://elizabethglz.com/gallery/">gallery</a> and <a href="http://elizabethglz.com/blog/">blog</a> too!<em><br /></em>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-65534489581970736352012-11-05T08:20:00.003-07:002012-11-05T08:24:49.211-07:00A New Class - And A GiveawayAre you interested in evolving your art into products to sell? Multiple products? Need some help with strategies, planning, pricing and selling? Well, then I think I've found the perfect class for you!<br />
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Elizabeth Gonzalez spent twelve years in ceramics before falling in love with mixed media in 2009. Her work adorns homes throughout this planet of ours! The information on her newest class, Mixed Media: From An Original to Multiple Products can be found <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6j6pqho87a3eaf3&llr=igwt7qjab">here</a> and you can also visit her <a href="http://elizabethglz.com/blog/">website</a> where you'll find links to her gallery, blog and shop.<br />
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Oh, and please - check out her wonderful giveaway! She's offering six different gifts/products and multiple ways to enter.<br />
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The giveaway is on her <a href="http://elizabethglz.com/blog/">blog</a>, so check it out and see the lovely things she's giving away. I love her artwork...but there's also a chance to win a spot in her class. But you need to hurry - the giveaway closes on November 20, 2012!<br />
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And yes, it's been a long time since my last post, I know! I promise an update soon. <br />
<br />Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-88406723021046054262012-07-24T07:22:00.000-06:002012-07-24T07:22:52.086-06:00A New Giveaway!Woohoo!! Gifts Of Compassion is having our second giveaway - a chance for you to win $20 in CASH!<br />
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I've been loving doing the social media management for a new project, which I wrote about in a previous post. <a href="http://creativeartitudes.blogspot.com/2012/06/gifts-of-compassion.html">Gifts Of Compassion</a> speaks to me on so many different levels. My ability to be creative; to translate that creativity into healing energy; to be a part of something giving back and gifting the world with positive, uplifting words, art and connections. Being connected to other artists in a shared project and dream. To be able to facilitate connection and communication between you and the people in your life. And to be able to earn a small income for the first time this year. Oh, and the fun of handling the social media end of things, which is, after all, something outside of, yet connected to, my creativity.<br />
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Gifts of Compassion was birthed two months ago and, to celebrate, we're having a wonderful new giveaway! You have a chance to win $20.00 cash - yes, cash! Not a gift card; not product - but cash that you can use in whatever way you choose.<br />
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Simply go to our Etsy shop, explore our art cards, and make a purchase! Our prices are very reasonable and range from $5.00 to $12.00. We have ten artists represented (with an 11th being added soon!) so there's a wide range of styles, subjects and messages to choose from. There will be art there that will speak to your heart!<br />
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Look over the graphic below for all the details. And then hop over to the shop and enter the giveaway!! It's open through July 31st...so get moving! And, let your friends know too.<br />
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<br />Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-32058021127895506432012-06-16T15:02:00.000-06:002012-06-16T15:02:34.034-06:00Gifts Of Compassion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gifts of Compassion is a new project started by Sung-Hee
Regina Hong, who was inspired to create something that would benefit the people
whose stories she had featured on her blog <a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/">The Beauty Of Sorrow </a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The project, now in its beginnings, consists of an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GiftsOfCompassion">Etsy shop </a> featuring
art created by those people – all of whom live with chronic illness, depression
and/or disabilities or have healed while moving through major life challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our art has enabled us to move through our
challenges with grace, gifting us with healing and keeping us connected to
ourselves and the world around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s Regina’s dream; our dream; to be able to share those
gifts, and facilitate them within you,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
to give each of you a simple, healing way to connect with the people in your
life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s also our dream to nurture and build a form of income
for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some of us, our
challenges have affected our ability to have, and keep, mainstream
employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is especially true for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For others, it is part of who we are, to want
to earn an income doing something we love so well; that we can put body, heart
and soul into our work and offer it to you from our hearts. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are currently
37 postcards available through <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GiftsOfCompassion">Gifts Of Compassion</a>, highlighting the work of seven
very different artists, with five more artists being added in the very near
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each artist has a title, such as
King of Sorrow or King of Lupus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
like to introduce them here and if you click on their names, you’ll be able to
read their stories on the Beauty Of Sorrow blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTdeMXEWzN1juWSUvo0fsFoBZX7xCHm4HvpA84JtGSRRAHEvHQ2UM9YUSdn7cgVExNnOOsplsnlVdymd_2Sy49SzXoQyhaxRWHQohDtS2tgJcEXicw_OHgIUpdk_8P3YSxL0mB-hLHSlf/s1600/camera_Tony_Cornered1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTdeMXEWzN1juWSUvo0fsFoBZX7xCHm4HvpA84JtGSRRAHEvHQ2UM9YUSdn7cgVExNnOOsplsnlVdymd_2Sy49SzXoQyhaxRWHQohDtS2tgJcEXicw_OHgIUpdk_8P3YSxL0mB-hLHSlf/s320/camera_Tony_Cornered1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sung-Hee Regina Hong - King of Sorrow</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">"...a creative way of looking at pain,
healing by sharing sorrow, and letting people know that they are not alone and
that we are there for each other."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrvva0uNEBFE-NqY8cB2-dY1P0kupoGxaOOVWXlMCcjCwPdvHnw3RkwuWcGwmotd98HBUbkOjRa4YhAW_rizjX3KeWYjQN5IoUqnAOJZ_WK55LnyGG4DAnzCvFTj5dsNRDdGaJArd28KX/s1600/JijoJacobKingOfFaith2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrvva0uNEBFE-NqY8cB2-dY1P0kupoGxaOOVWXlMCcjCwPdvHnw3RkwuWcGwmotd98HBUbkOjRa4YhAW_rizjX3KeWYjQN5IoUqnAOJZ_WK55LnyGG4DAnzCvFTj5dsNRDdGaJArd28KX/s320/JijoJacobKingOfFaith2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/soul-faith.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jijo Jacob</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - King of Faith</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnK1eX0rsTWA-TZlD6pfKhWy41X28Xz2EGqRB0rRgFt0lhzrmp9iyKZUXX8op1LqeCh4cWPrPAaPMsPo8jUaGLWVHyBS_Z69-6L96mdAZBjXiX3dGbchLdIiOWuYd49D5_O85n6TQtstR/s1600/543071_388933457814063_100000922366735_1194380_486117506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnK1eX0rsTWA-TZlD6pfKhWy41X28Xz2EGqRB0rRgFt0lhzrmp9iyKZUXX8op1LqeCh4cWPrPAaPMsPo8jUaGLWVHyBS_Z69-6L96mdAZBjXiX3dGbchLdIiOWuYd49D5_O85n6TQtstR/s320/543071_388933457814063_100000922366735_1194380_486117506_n.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/lyme.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keri Colestock</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - King of Lyme Disease</span></h4>
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<span style="color: black;">"</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My
art was my saving grace as staying home in bed was not an option."<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2T5jYALPpQkiuBZZnYdFoASdiKNoFydZSqPStbUvxdKd-IwnpkxnN3-jVKN0g3M_pb79TncA7Fix5_Csr5z-8WtKBElOQ4-6MdIma23991BbwWoBQfosDUUQuIhCZw49k9dM3Y1v7ZwM/s1600/468026_3203681543362_834360618_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2T5jYALPpQkiuBZZnYdFoASdiKNoFydZSqPStbUvxdKd-IwnpkxnN3-jVKN0g3M_pb79TncA7Fix5_Csr5z-8WtKBElOQ4-6MdIma23991BbwWoBQfosDUUQuIhCZw49k9dM3Y1v7ZwM/s320/468026_3203681543362_834360618_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/2012/05/alone.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ady Almanza</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - King of Friendship</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt1EvxjUEPF0wO9K3n2vGx4m29pcS9ekJEt8LQpgyefGfkBmzAo6dMWM8ciz2vwWOKeWkJTVZJYgIY0VazmprEY61G15oqm6PL0gHfqwstMsmo0NQJC_ukUFooQ2YhVLKgHW8X5jb6p0T/s1600/Me2_NBaumiller2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt1EvxjUEPF0wO9K3n2vGx4m29pcS9ekJEt8LQpgyefGfkBmzAo6dMWM8ciz2vwWOKeWkJTVZJYgIY0VazmprEY61G15oqm6PL0gHfqwstMsmo0NQJC_ukUFooQ2YhVLKgHW8X5jb6p0T/s320/Me2_NBaumiller2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/2012/06/unspoken-problems.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nancy Baumiller</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - King of Woman/Women</span></h4>
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"<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We have choices...and choosing to be
happy is the greatest one! Self-love!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCORX8LK4hHO7C47vrXRXSRRhSeAHNCBEgrIM38C56FbtxvHgtfJRbfrKaMSBEdqQrWMmd_jziH3977EKCfc97dlJgj3S9JUMW8yEelssDaY6zyeerYNqb_aD5NqIJFG1oz0v9Nb73AYFG/s1600/255672_2129193633653_8379014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCORX8LK4hHO7C47vrXRXSRRhSeAHNCBEgrIM38C56FbtxvHgtfJRbfrKaMSBEdqQrWMmd_jziH3977EKCfc97dlJgj3S9JUMW8yEelssDaY6zyeerYNqb_aD5NqIJFG1oz0v9Nb73AYFG/s320/255672_2129193633653_8379014_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/depression-and-artist.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lainey Parker</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - King of Artistic Depression</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">"There are statistics that show a
higher percentage of artists, writers, and other creative souls deal with
depression more so than other types of people."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0-P_eGdrDQkoR_4vGPuv5WeDpEghRfGl18zM8D6UXmFShmYiFfEHvjWJlHe6x6W2yp2uGCEP8IqYWg9ltbXZ5GuQ2BEYsIScVS7RaslRC9u0D6zOpwVEGMAZOVbllcu5MLY9xr4WTuKw/s1600/Cynthia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0-P_eGdrDQkoR_4vGPuv5WeDpEghRfGl18zM8D6UXmFShmYiFfEHvjWJlHe6x6W2yp2uGCEP8IqYWg9ltbXZ5GuQ2BEYsIScVS7RaslRC9u0D6zOpwVEGMAZOVbllcu5MLY9xr4WTuKw/s320/Cynthia2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/fibromyalgia.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cynthia Hanna</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - King of Fibromyalgia/Disabilities</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">"Art connects me with my intuition
and provides me with a symbolic, visual language…a way to process whatever
comes up, whether it’s joy, pain or any or the myriad things between. And
sharing the process of learning, experimenting, healing is healing in itself…"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">We invite you to watch the video (above), to visit the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GiftsOfCompassion">Gifts of Compassion shop</a>, and to share both our art, our shop and our purpose with others - and of course, to purchase our healing, uplifting art for yourself and others in your lives.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-17557559853935342452012-05-23T09:43:00.000-06:002012-05-31T11:12:24.537-06:00Doing the Happy DanceI love visiting other peoples blogs. Making new discoveries, being inspired and awestruck at the things others create and lifting my spirit with color and creativity! There is so much talent, beauty and simple awesomeness online.<br />
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And I'm always on the prowl for creative resources - especially those that fit my current budget, which is zero. Yes, truly zero. My creativity has been drastically curtailed, not because I've run out of materials, but because I dread the day that I do.<br />
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When I do find resources, it's time for a happy dance and a heart felt hallelujah! Seriously, I wish I could tell each person that offers freebies just how much their generosity means to me; how much their thoughtfulness feeds my soul!<br />
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As just one example, today I was visiting <a href="http://aprilmariecole.blogspot.com/">April Cole's blog</a> (you should definitely visit!). She's a wonderful artist and each week she features <a href="http://aprilmariecole.blogspot.com/search/label/link%20love">Friday's Lovely Links</a> highlighting online discoveries that she's made. And one of her links was for free chevron patterned papers. Hooray!<br />
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When I clicked the link, I was taken to <a href="http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-bright-patterned-papers-chevron.html">Mel Stampz</a> and it truly was time for that happy dance, lol. Not only did I find links for the chevron papers, but also thirty-nine (yes - 39!) other gorgeous papers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4GZC0EohAwsEUpv71BtGfMIgd2P__3nBOYnmH6YJjBd1yavCvxRai2X1vdZmJuAjsDa8fHDnxtcaYi4hUSCYnj2J1txKiSs4hGlePc020EM0dGm3hOsIgbAeWKgdF1P7Pmaj_U2WqYi2/s1600/MelStampz_papers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4GZC0EohAwsEUpv71BtGfMIgd2P__3nBOYnmH6YJjBd1yavCvxRai2X1vdZmJuAjsDa8fHDnxtcaYi4hUSCYnj2J1txKiSs4hGlePc020EM0dGm3hOsIgbAeWKgdF1P7Pmaj_U2WqYi2/s400/MelStampz_papers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And a wonderful page full of links to templates - tons of templates. Moustaches, dress forms, animals, birds, tags - more than 100 separate items!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20Hm3lHzTZdUvF6nmNaKIi3HQHdXl_j60EpQ_QAAwr4Dhre1OrIJztbcnfvHwIpiZzrf55ZqBdCxFju_Pw7nakOW-vK9v8mAcmsw9V9IJt6p9bpq-tjxWIhHlaFadA2hPks2rvpUqy5cL/s1600/MelStampz1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20Hm3lHzTZdUvF6nmNaKIi3HQHdXl_j60EpQ_QAAwr4Dhre1OrIJztbcnfvHwIpiZzrf55ZqBdCxFju_Pw7nakOW-vK9v8mAcmsw9V9IJt6p9bpq-tjxWIhHlaFadA2hPks2rvpUqy5cL/s400/MelStampz1.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
And to top it all off, she has tutorials! I love her Ribbon Spool Box with hidden compartment<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8Bg28onKLOXHc0HhUl72s05QJAkf6hlS1uk5fuH0DLMRutuCaL9CfdZMHW1ZNDG1D31ll8shZBVlDNpI1KJLUY1p1yGv7VpnEzeXeICZShn6Od5-WkkRK3eVH6923qeKzJQ30h9AHoI1/s1600/RibbonSpoolBox_MelStampz2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8Bg28onKLOXHc0HhUl72s05QJAkf6hlS1uk5fuH0DLMRutuCaL9CfdZMHW1ZNDG1D31ll8shZBVlDNpI1KJLUY1p1yGv7VpnEzeXeICZShn6Od5-WkkRK3eVH6923qeKzJQ30h9AHoI1/s400/RibbonSpoolBox_MelStampz2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
but there's so much more - including one that will teach you how to access and print the papers, collections, templates and printables that she has stored on her Flickr account!<br />
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So, my creative gypsies, join me in my happy dance! Have fun visiting, exploring and creating with all the generous, gorgeous gifts on this wonderful site!<br />
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If you have a site or blog of your own that includes freebies, I'd love to feature it here! Or, if you know of someone else who offers them. Just let me know in the comments and I'll be in touch.<br />
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Sharing on <a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Share%20Wednesdays">The Trendy Treehouse</a> Share Wednesdays and<br />
Whatever You Want Wednesday at <a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/">Free Pretty Things For You</a><br />
Check Me Out Saturday at <a href="http://www.iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/">I Am Only One Woman</a><br />
Show Off Your Stuff Party at <a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party">Fireflies and Jellybeans</a>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-44317456299554822732012-05-10T19:31:00.000-06:002012-05-31T11:14:09.244-06:00Creativity from the CouchThis is a project done while I was relegated to the couch during my recent extended flare up of fibromyalgia and pain.
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One of the things that I dreaded about flare ups was that my ability and energy for creating would drastically drop or disappear altogether. I wanted and needed a way to work around that when it happened.
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I decided to organize a few supplies that I could easily access, keep near me on the couch, and use on my roughest days. I repurposed several large styrofoam meat trays - the kind you get when you buy a family pack of meat. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YNxShqU-5PjlAwuWGrf5YOJj4sOAW_HJ3s-3cRnN-LsV0xdEBm0dnz_p7FfjrifcCam6k4QDxGCyK-_FIlrosXLDBD4ObGUGnJKytwU9ka8W9efu-U8Cj6YsX6NGY9a-0uteAQpfEvfA/s1600/CreativeArtitudes1+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YNxShqU-5PjlAwuWGrf5YOJj4sOAW_HJ3s-3cRnN-LsV0xdEBm0dnz_p7FfjrifcCam6k4QDxGCyK-_FIlrosXLDBD4ObGUGnJKytwU9ka8W9efu-U8Cj6YsX6NGY9a-0uteAQpfEvfA/s320/CreativeArtitudes1+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They work perfectly, with enough room for a few supplies, and they stack and store well in my craft closet.
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The project that you see in the photos here (except for the frames) was made using the supplies on one tray. On that tray, I stored pages from a vintage book and hymnal; homemade alcohol ink sprays, brads, several colors of acrylic paint, tissue paper and thin wire.
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Using the book pages, I cut each shape out by hand and then colored them with the sprays (except for the tissue paper). I followed up with assembling each flower and butterfly individually. Each day, I stored whatever I had made in small ziploc bags; partly for organization and partly to keep them out of easy reach of my grandson, lol.
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For this project, I painted the backgrounds in acrylic and then layered over that with tissue paper. I used the same tissue paper in both pictures. I arranged flowers and butterflies on the background and, once I was happy with the composition, I attached them to the background. I finished up by stamping a relevant quote or saying on each one.
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I have these hanging on the wall above my desk, next to the bulletin board that I posted earlier. I smile every time I look at them!<br />
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Shared for Whatever You Want Wednesday at <a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/">Free Pretty Things For You</a><br />
Shared for Show and Tell Saturday at <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2012/05/show-and-tell-saturday-052612.html">Be Different Act Normal</a><br />
Show Off Your Stuff Party at <a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party">Fireflies and Jellybeans</a>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-57273501620381316182012-04-16T16:43:00.000-06:002012-04-16T16:43:04.814-06:00Thank You Brené Brown<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brené recently had a post titled ‘The Worst Advice EVER’ that really hit home for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her post, she writes about her take on a little piece of advice that I’m sure all of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>us have heard at some point – ‘You can rest when you’re done!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read her post here <a href="http://www.ordinarycourage.com/my-blog/2012/4/13/the-worst-advice-ever.html">The Worst Advice Ever</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Living with chronic illness and disabilities is an ongoing, daily and often, a moment-by-moment process of redefining my way of being in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve often been given advice along the lines of ‘You just have to try harder’; ‘You need to make more of an effort’ or the related ‘You’re not trying hard enough’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and ‘you can be sick when you’re done’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there’s that two edged sword that some people try to bring into play, comparing my situation with someone elses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘So-and-so has chronic illness too, but it doesn’t seem to stop her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She never uses it as an excuse!’</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGN3KAXC98o5RZK9AOPtUq7tv3iDHDBpqp9ECtIbb0EphWtrGHyRls02sKehQ-kfRGSbUWUEqsOk1e-S79UGUVOKSweqU7eFcT8lkk5C3v9MLjkhN4THs_qa5-p8gtkGTHyXQmZtd1oZu/s1600/scan0002_WorstAdvice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGN3KAXC98o5RZK9AOPtUq7tv3iDHDBpqp9ECtIbb0EphWtrGHyRls02sKehQ-kfRGSbUWUEqsOk1e-S79UGUVOKSweqU7eFcT8lkk5C3v9MLjkhN4THs_qa5-p8gtkGTHyXQmZtd1oZu/s400/scan0002_WorstAdvice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do I need to mention the guilt I used to feel (and I admit I sometimes still do) at hearing those?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I think I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are comments given by well-meaning friends, family and acquaintances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who really have no concept or understanding of what it is to be me; to live my life on a daily basis; or even to simply live with chronic illness and chronic pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words that are meant lovingly and offered as a gift instead become judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those judgments have the power to create heartache, self-doubt and blame, hardship and yes, physical pain!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ask you to keep in mind that, if I share something of what I’m experiencing, I am not making excuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not asking for or expecting your sympathy, your pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am simply expressing a part of my reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask you also to remember that what I (or any of us!) experience each day, and how I experience it, is going to be different from everyone else – even those who share the same exact illness and disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our coping mechanisms, our various boundaries, our tolerance levels, our experiences will ALL be different and defined by our individuality.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only speak from my own experience; I can only validate myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘You can rest when you’re done’ has a totally different meaning within the context of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, resting when I’m done means learning to honor myself by listening to my body’s cues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means finding my own stopping and starting points in everything that I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means learning to live in the moment and also learning to be gentle with myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhSMQMt9QtC6vibjHE31JclIeib7SinY9DWlkcWf-T1CItU7g6YlJdxNvcF1FVUiMJTFqa3kQnJIsdrlOuP7nVYUy-KrVSTUN6qEIhAPhPLP4SoWOKQ95k1IqnhRD5gLjKaEGoyLrQvk3/s1600/scan0002wSig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhSMQMt9QtC6vibjHE31JclIeib7SinY9DWlkcWf-T1CItU7g6YlJdxNvcF1FVUiMJTFqa3kQnJIsdrlOuP7nVYUy-KrVSTUN6qEIhAPhPLP4SoWOKQ95k1IqnhRD5gLjKaEGoyLrQvk3/s640/scan0002wSig.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How I wish that those were skills that I was able to learn BEFORE becoming ill…because I firmly believe that having those core skills would have helped me to avoid becoming ill to begin with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If you like the artwork that I'm showing here, I've made it available for you to print! Just go to <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B45G9T7bRzyWREUxekt3Y2hhcTA">Be Gentle With Yourself</a> then right click and choose 'print'. Let me know if you print it...this is the first time I've made something available for printing and I'd love to know!</span></span></div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-56927822192699830152012-04-12T04:29:00.000-06:002012-04-12T04:29:54.290-06:00Artist Trading Card ExperimentMy daughter and I both participated in our first ATC swap last month, also making our very first ATC's. It was a nice way to have Marta be involved, and with only three of us trading, it was a small enough project that I was able to complete it even while in the midst of a fibromyalgia flare up. And small enough for Marta to be able to fit it into her busy schedule. Working full-time, taking college courses and parenting a three year old don't leave a lot of time for other pursuits (can you tell I'm a proud Mama?).<br />
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This is one of a series of cards my friend Terri made with "Home is Where the Heart Is" as the theme. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7munjC7i7PfQQqchjoM97hXie5dLqToN-GZh3cD4pmKkMoJdxm10S0Ro8xKH3nx21kqXz0wHHOP7BSXl_Hd_3dhO3qbH-lCYBVU-B9iFTj-i3m7x7cMTpH5N5n8otvWcLU09UCltdUAE8/s1600/ATC_March2021_TY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7munjC7i7PfQQqchjoM97hXie5dLqToN-GZh3cD4pmKkMoJdxm10S0Ro8xKH3nx21kqXz0wHHOP7BSXl_Hd_3dhO3qbH-lCYBVU-B9iFTj-i3m7x7cMTpH5N5n8otvWcLU09UCltdUAE8/s400/ATC_March2021_TY.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She started by lightly sanding and then applying acrylic paint as the foundation, followed by inking the background using gauze to daub on two different colors of Ranger paints. She used paper from Heidi Grace that depicted a series of whimsical houses, cutting each house by hand. To give each card a 3D effect, Terri added and outlined trees and painted the sun, following up by hand sewing beads and sequins to the background. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the detail, layers and colors on these ATC's! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you line up all three cards, it looks like an actual street of houses - as Terri says 'like we are neighbors, because I think of us as not only friends but as neighbors'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As special as the cards are, that sentence is even more so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This next card was done by Marta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFpWyhO0qTpS_QvbECLO1O2kEp5lSWsCCwLoIA_cMbrQSDqhNFq2zQvkJNkRwA-INHJSiol4jdi3pmBcCLyOEPNZ3f8LBWTwbrwU90O-N2eC1PGRVxgqhSIhnRN7D4nrdtndIzKn8_c94/s1600/ATC_March2012_Mar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFpWyhO0qTpS_QvbECLO1O2kEp5lSWsCCwLoIA_cMbrQSDqhNFq2zQvkJNkRwA-INHJSiol4jdi3pmBcCLyOEPNZ3f8LBWTwbrwU90O-N2eC1PGRVxgqhSIhnRN7D4nrdtndIzKn8_c94/s320/ATC_March2012_Mar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The background was done using tissue paper and irridescent strips of paper. The birds and hearts were cut by hand from scrapbooking paper and the legs were hand drawn, then 'adore' and 'happiness' stickers were applied before finishing up with a coat of gel medium.<br />
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Marta's second and third cards (not shown here) were done by coloring the background using liquid chalks, then applying black and white floral cutouts. The cutouts were colored with artist markers and then the cards were finished using rubber stamps.<br />
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I didn't follow a theme for my cards, but this is the first one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzHnghNRR053IzuZicOKnQZAhYpdxSwCVkJZa54659IhmuxLVa4uQw-1o_MhC4VH-2u4XNQAFu2Pa6OIGwRsNRfQSMgRRST1w36310Sh2nB7KZj5sNKElnIXl4SSCzb9SRFTZ6Yzo-5OX/s1600/ATC_March2012_Cyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzHnghNRR053IzuZicOKnQZAhYpdxSwCVkJZa54659IhmuxLVa4uQw-1o_MhC4VH-2u4XNQAFu2Pa6OIGwRsNRfQSMgRRST1w36310Sh2nB7KZj5sNKElnIXl4SSCzb9SRFTZ6Yzo-5OX/s320/ATC_March2012_Cyn.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>The background was first sprayed with homemade alcohol ink spray and then lightly coated with liquid chalk. I used an East Indian motif from Dover and applied the image as a transfer (my first attempt at doing a transfer!), which I then colored with artist markers and outlined in black. The words are handwritten. <br />
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I'm happy with ALL of the results and very much enjoyed doing the ATC swap. We're going to be doing another one for April, with the addition of one more person. We're open to having more people participate, but the deadline is April 30th!<br />
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If you'd like to give and receive little pieces of art from the heart, let me know. Group swaps will be between five to seven people, no matter how many participants there are! Just leave a comment here with your contact info (your email address should be in this format to discourage spam, etc: CreativeArtitude at hotmail dot com)Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-62364965977422994492012-03-20T15:14:00.000-06:002012-03-20T15:14:53.904-06:00Angels, Angels Everywhere!Do you believe in Angels? I certainly do, and they've been appearing in my life and in my dreams more and more often since the beginning of the year. When I heard about a new, upcoming course called Angels In My Studio, it just seemed to be perfectly synchronous with that.<br />
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Angels In My Studio is a five month long course that will allow you to connect more deeply with your angels, both in your everyday life AND in your creativity, while learning techniques to help you incorporate angelic energy and forms into your creations. It's learning techniques, and so much more.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYJI735LYvzPr-o9rI_xuGXltbpLPwLxzX7-TUqb4gp3EvPZlKE5R5IPIFRNQnshruhaxvccjisSPSsZBc3HW6ighoJPuxERpn6TQelfwwamlGd5rRSSO_axlQ-KblFODs14ih1t3-rmD/s1600/AIMS-Banner-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYJI735LYvzPr-o9rI_xuGXltbpLPwLxzX7-TUqb4gp3EvPZlKE5R5IPIFRNQnshruhaxvccjisSPSsZBc3HW6ighoJPuxERpn6TQelfwwamlGd5rRSSO_axlQ-KblFODs14ih1t3-rmD/s320/AIMS-Banner-600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The list of instructors is amazing too! Sheri Ann Ponzi, Chris Zydel, Susan Risse, Tracy Verdugo, Whitney Ferre, Anna Sch<strong style="font-weight: normal;">uler, Claudia Olivos, KaePea, Kylie Pepyat-Fowler and Lori Franklin - all incredibly creative, talented women!</strong><br />
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<strong style="font-weight: normal;">You can go to <a href="http://www.paintingherselfintobeing.com/angels-in-my-studio/">Angels In My Studio</a> to find more information. There are even a couple of introductory videos there. I think you'll be intriqued and hope that you'll be joining us!</strong><br />
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<strong style="font-weight: normal;">Yes, I'm going to be there, and I'm so excited that I'll be able to be a part of it! Hooray!! I was notified on 3/18 (which happened to be my 55th birthday!) that I'd won a spot in the course via a giveaway on <a href="http://www.glittergypsy.com/">Susan Risse's blog</a>. What a beautiful, perfect, happy dance gift!!</strong><br />
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<strong style="font-weight: normal;">There's good news for you too! Sheri is having a giveaway for people who publish blog posts about Angels In My Studio. Because I've already won a spot, Sheri has given me permission (if my blog post is chosen) to give two of you a chance to win a place in the course!</strong><br />
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<strong style="font-weight: normal;">All you have to do is to leave a comment on this post by March 31st, telling me why you're excited about the course - and let </strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;">your angels know that you want to be there!</strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> Be sure to leave your contact information as well. </strong><br />
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<strong style="font-weight: normal;">If you post a link to this blog post on Facebook, mentioning Angels In My Studio, leave a separate comment letting me know and I'll enter your name twice! If my blog post wins the giveaway, then I'll pull two names from those of you who've commented. </strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Angels are all around us, all the time, in the very air we breathe.</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">~Quoted in <i>The Angels' Little Instruction Book</i> by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994<br />
</span></div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-18059083903090138252012-03-13T11:25:00.000-06:002012-03-13T11:25:24.951-06:00Antique/Ethnic Inspiration BoardAfter my Grandad passed, I was helping my mom clean out his storage shed. I found two beautiful, antique picture frames. I didn't have a clue what I would do with them; I just knew that I wanted them. <br />
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I also had a wall tapestry, hand embroidered and purchased in India and given to me by my ex inlaws, 30 years ago, when they first came to the U.S. as refugees from Afghanistan.<br />
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I hadn't displayed the tapestry in years. Not because I didn't like it, but perhaps because there were so many painful memories associated with it. I never contemplated getting rid of it, yet it just sat among other things in my cedar chest; neatly tucked away and seldom looked at.<br />
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When I decided that I needed an inspiration/bulletin board, it just seemed natural to combine the two. Who would have known? One of the antique frames with a portion of the tapestry. Antique married to ethnic, and I've always loved the bright colors and motifs in ethnic handcrafts. A blending of generations and culture, even sorrow and joy.<br />
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The project itself became a way and a space for healing both the loss of my grandparents and some of the pain I still held from my marriage. It gave me, first of all, an awareness that those parts existed deep within me as wounds still waiting to be healed. And, it gave me a way to honor both the pain and the healing.<br />
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This is the finished project and it now holds a central space above my desk, next to an altered art vintage window frame. I wasn't able to capture the vibrancy of the colors, but here it is:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiSReie0T8MXsn-OrFSd2uWGc0EuUnmY9YWWJ4klehcHuy9Cuij-hVU73g1cv5kuQMQqs_L5zeBEXFCYfSthXzGQhr3RkRDmL0QWOEvWs4IX_azPmA-zsqNJ2N7JMCG0KPirhmkAOpLyW/s1600/BulletinBoard5+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiSReie0T8MXsn-OrFSd2uWGc0EuUnmY9YWWJ4klehcHuy9Cuij-hVU73g1cv5kuQMQqs_L5zeBEXFCYfSthXzGQhr3RkRDmL0QWOEvWs4IX_azPmA-zsqNJ2N7JMCG0KPirhmkAOpLyW/s320/BulletinBoard5+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Putting my inspiration board together was fairly simple. I measured the back opening of the frame, then added two inches to each side and cut the tapestry to measure. I cut a large piece of foam core board to fit the back of the frame.<br />
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With the fabric laying face down, I centered the foam core board on it. Using a hot glue gun, I attached each edge separately, taking time to miter each corner and checking the tautness of the fabric before proceeding to the next side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg8_4LddS9apabblzj3aUyXG3WPb-s2UKLZkj1FR3jfgumCvCTKP5qTo8asYFLX7THz4y2UhVCXJyUEAHdPUn48iYd8u4UgWjX5jqCv9YBH_Q-icQpvsSI_84KFeTiQDjZE_dlDQmxkbM/s1600/bulletin+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg8_4LddS9apabblzj3aUyXG3WPb-s2UKLZkj1FR3jfgumCvCTKP5qTo8asYFLX7THz4y2UhVCXJyUEAHdPUn48iYd8u4UgWjX5jqCv9YBH_Q-icQpvsSI_84KFeTiQDjZE_dlDQmxkbM/s320/bulletin+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To insert the fabric panel into the frame I simply turned the frame over. Using the glue gun, I attached one edge of the panel at a time, face down, being careful to keep the panel centered. <br />
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The results, I think, are beautiful. I'm totally happy with my new inspiration board and love having it hanging above my desk!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN7gr6nP9lfbYrEuDsgVLB_chuP7ez01Uuy4G39vds5_0_5UtoWxl89SoBwHIVW8qA2NQHT86u0Zw0In-hpgqlflqHurbWuFCTkrTAoo9uCf4-PT-x9yGFXN1_YYd2kJ6Uzt89EfJVg3a/s1600/bulletin+board2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN7gr6nP9lfbYrEuDsgVLB_chuP7ez01Uuy4G39vds5_0_5UtoWxl89SoBwHIVW8qA2NQHT86u0Zw0In-hpgqlflqHurbWuFCTkrTAoo9uCf4-PT-x9yGFXN1_YYd2kJ6Uzt89EfJVg3a/s320/bulletin+board2.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><br />
I may use the rest of the tapestry fabric to make a cushion and covered armrests for my desk chair. Maybe a protective mat for the top of my scanner. Or maybe you have an idea or inspiration for me?Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-9872876900413686512012-03-09T20:50:00.000-07:002012-03-09T20:50:52.007-07:00Mixed Media Paint Chip CanvasI haven't created very much art lately. I've been in the biggest, longest flare up of my fibromyalgia in more than five years and it's pretty much brought some things - like making art - to a standstill.<br />
Creativity is so much a part of me though, that I've found ways to nurture it. The things that I've worked on have involved small projects that I can do while reclining; things that are easy to step away from when needed. Some embellishments made from the pages of vintage books and hymnals. My first attempt at ATC's. A bit of beading.<br />
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In lieu of having more current art to share, I'd love to show you the mixed media canvas that I created for my daughter during the holidays. The original idea was found <a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Wall-Decor/Mosaic-of-Paint-Chips/ct/1">here</a>.<br />
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I started by coating a square canvas with gesso, then layering vintage ephemera over that. To give it a more aged appearance, I used a wash of acrylic paint and water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ9OroqPIcZZbIixl3R3YIiCNScxegezdWCyTUepPX9D7lNs7yRHN03P3qKiz8lUV77bC6OdBb89OIfsjBp6782teYl3X0zLFDDGt9OAxz_XdXk5e5-zn-PcsLfg2L4n6o0T7Hoj4xb2h/s1600/DSCF0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ9OroqPIcZZbIixl3R3YIiCNScxegezdWCyTUepPX9D7lNs7yRHN03P3qKiz8lUV77bC6OdBb89OIfsjBp6782teYl3X0zLFDDGt9OAxz_XdXk5e5-zn-PcsLfg2L4n6o0T7Hoj4xb2h/s320/DSCF0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I measured the canvas and cut paint chips to fit. I wanted to create a tile-like effect, so I allowed for space between each chip and laid them out until I had an arrangement that I liked. Before securing the chips to the canvas with gel medium, I lightly stained their edges with fluid chalk in a medium brown to give an illusion of depth. I followed up with a second wash of acrylic and water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9MWixtlqtLqHLx4KETpTQHcK_jwKIB8hU4MrH0JgdpwbuXLvtYrJa0i3CuNaQ9irbkYcBMO_UPhkByn7B2ahdGOIL5j74yudLK230_h6s6m6ndfIZX6spODcZuxV3qwe7ykUgeBGuMEH/s1600/DSCF0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9MWixtlqtLqHLx4KETpTQHcK_jwKIB8hU4MrH0JgdpwbuXLvtYrJa0i3CuNaQ9irbkYcBMO_UPhkByn7B2ahdGOIL5j74yudLK230_h6s6m6ndfIZX6spODcZuxV3qwe7ykUgeBGuMEH/s320/DSCF0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to paint cherry blossoms onto the 'tiles'. My drawing skills aren't very strong, so I first drew the blossoms out on paper, then used the drawing as a guide for painting on the canvas, using the new markers that were a holiday gift from my kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PGBfL_WmmNarXKaIbAhWuDCKMy4KbCjvwySJ8DeSjbP7uB87AoH8B6GAV6emp-xIWzTbbpBCKLU2VHM5raWHwHPq9XPWwWHFa0a7KNOYSLf1wblE8ZBqJFs0aPl5kfCiZxGO2FbpNz0j/s1600/DSCF0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PGBfL_WmmNarXKaIbAhWuDCKMy4KbCjvwySJ8DeSjbP7uB87AoH8B6GAV6emp-xIWzTbbpBCKLU2VHM5raWHwHPq9XPWwWHFa0a7KNOYSLf1wblE8ZBqJFs0aPl5kfCiZxGO2FbpNz0j/s320/DSCF0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then added a 3D dragonfly embellishment to the lower right portion of the canvas and finished off with several layers of high gloss to give the look of shiny tile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQa-1m8KvPLDzXv2ydQX6naGIMjmYR0gwkPIBvBsKQEMaPW0mOd07YRVCDJKl5TdtI1wWkk0Kb9jgh8cwxOwxvIp35faw5Wt1jN2-CS2WpDQeRrj7o5nGXLFne7CQ7jxv1HIgt321nCt3/s1600/DSCF0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQa-1m8KvPLDzXv2ydQX6naGIMjmYR0gwkPIBvBsKQEMaPW0mOd07YRVCDJKl5TdtI1wWkk0Kb9jgh8cwxOwxvIp35faw5Wt1jN2-CS2WpDQeRrj7o5nGXLFne7CQ7jxv1HIgt321nCt3/s320/DSCF0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was really happy with the results. The paint chips really do look like tile! I'm hoping to make a second canvas to go with the first so that my daughter has a matched set above her sofa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Has anyone else found ways to use paint chips in their art or their craft projects? If you have, I'd love for you to share!</div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-10678887199707155052012-01-30T12:14:00.000-07:002012-01-30T12:14:20.992-07:00Valentine's Day CardsBeautiful cards and Valentine's Day just seem to go hand in hand, so I decided to experiment in making some of my own cards. I don't think I've made a card since 6th grade, lol! <br />
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Since I've been dealing with several fibro flares and a whole lot of fibro fog and exhaustion, the cards turned out to be the perfect project. One that I could pick up and put down how ever often was needed and allowed me to work in small increments.<br />
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I decided to use paper piecing in designing my cards. I began by experimenting with drawings and templates and the templates were the most frustrating part of the process! I found myself wondering if I was wasting my time; doubting whether the templates would work. Do you ever experience a certain level of doubt when trying something new?<br />
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My daughter stopped by to visit about the time that the templates were completed, and she sat down with the templates and a selection of scrapbooking papers and glue. I absolutely loved the results - which you can see here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlQ4oRCYcVtpdiIuFKvvQN93yN9Te03B_iWMIMChsdkvro9qpy9rmBa56IsVbVYgftY8VKGbfYZPzfHZmX2_cAxA5EPOVMeO1rKq0xvwV2PuZnEBB7r-Dbvlhd85V-JaNCjXWA2rEhqp9/s1600/scan0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlQ4oRCYcVtpdiIuFKvvQN93yN9Te03B_iWMIMChsdkvro9qpy9rmBa56IsVbVYgftY8VKGbfYZPzfHZmX2_cAxA5EPOVMeO1rKq0xvwV2PuZnEBB7r-Dbvlhd85V-JaNCjXWA2rEhqp9/s320/scan0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I was totally encouraged by her results, so I moved on to actually creating the cards. I used two different designs - a cute little owl and a segmented, layered heart - and these were some of my results:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqp_o7JSZbpQqQcBJi7sjvosYBqwEnfW66_fBHO5OfskgX0kmDam1X2v5GLaOMitLp_CpW8wBlMwMYh47Q1Jxi8siGVGBddbWum5VSWDjKciiRnw6RfMDuKupFgXwGfTJUAtXVbVoDe8v/s1600/scan0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqp_o7JSZbpQqQcBJi7sjvosYBqwEnfW66_fBHO5OfskgX0kmDam1X2v5GLaOMitLp_CpW8wBlMwMYh47Q1Jxi8siGVGBddbWum5VSWDjKciiRnw6RfMDuKupFgXwGfTJUAtXVbVoDe8v/s320/scan0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkccBkJU-rJo8iHKcyqSL8ZUGR_pfEB8kEB54yEMwSjl-caiOZOBXJlmnGjXZFnJDO4u4njEauB4ujHTSkDfM0B9Lu-TfnoL-93OR86UfdRV7FezWpcVoGLYbiXCpMUifk_gUcx53iM01N/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkccBkJU-rJo8iHKcyqSL8ZUGR_pfEB8kEB54yEMwSjl-caiOZOBXJlmnGjXZFnJDO4u4njEauB4ujHTSkDfM0B9Lu-TfnoL-93OR86UfdRV7FezWpcVoGLYbiXCpMUifk_gUcx53iM01N/s320/scan0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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If you'd like to try your hand at card making, I'm including the templates for you. Left click on the photo and choose 'print' and the template should print up full size. I recommend printing on card stock. If you have trouble printing the template, I can send it to you as an attachment if you provide your email address.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPkWWTDGfAgOdB6cld-oVo9eGdWA6XWBwnhzstDzK-1jM3rItYGxKWV6I2tJa-YrymTReuQ6dzeEpJPAuVSBxFEP-07-idpRPiXCz-1D4HTGLlHTeNF2pFoDb1eQadEDSIKcvPr75UzET/s1600/scan0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPkWWTDGfAgOdB6cld-oVo9eGdWA6XWBwnhzstDzK-1jM3rItYGxKWV6I2tJa-YrymTReuQ6dzeEpJPAuVSBxFEP-07-idpRPiXCz-1D4HTGLlHTeNF2pFoDb1eQadEDSIKcvPr75UzET/s320/scan0010.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br />
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The templates are hand drawn, so there will be slight imperfections. Don't let that worry you! Any imperfections simply add to the charm and originality of your work. The only place where acurracy really counts is in that cut down the center of the hearts.<br />
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I recommend cutting out multiples of each piece so that you can play with color combinations. For the heart, each piece (with the exception of the largest heart) is cut in half and the pieces are combined for contrast. The backgrounds are up to you. I used either scrapbooking paper, mulberry paper or glitter paints, but go with your own imagination!<br />
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Feel free to reduce or enlarge the templates to use in ATC's, collage, etc. The only thing I ask is that you give credit and/or link back to this post if you publish your work on the internet. It would be wonderful, too, if you share a link to your results here in the comment section. I'd love to see what you do with my templates!<br />
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Now, to decide who to send the cards too...Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-13089422192147124532011-12-22T11:50:00.000-07:002011-12-22T11:50:59.942-07:00A 'Happy' Christmas Miracle<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKvtFSuNr_DS3RZ2Aghrwr8BhyphenhyphenGRY4LAxR_xmSgOQoQQ5bP9R9l9r4he0EsrGJW9e7yBQwIi3jzOH5JHPLdfhk8zim3Or08MdPRGMGCb-TeCuUTZYzb6VAR7lGmbKw27sw2DM2bWdJjxl/s1600/snowglobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKvtFSuNr_DS3RZ2Aghrwr8BhyphenhyphenGRY4LAxR_xmSgOQoQQ5bP9R9l9r4he0EsrGJW9e7yBQwIi3jzOH5JHPLdfhk8zim3Or08MdPRGMGCb-TeCuUTZYzb6VAR7lGmbKw27sw2DM2bWdJjxl/s320/snowglobe.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Raising two kids on my own was really hard sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the kids themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been blessed to have them in my life; they are what kept me going, kept me sane, kept me learning and growing, kept me connected and loving.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Christmas season of 1999 found me working full-time, but without resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My job meant that I was away from my kids for 12 hours each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eight hours working, an hour lunch – and three hours spent traveling back and forth between home, babysitter, work; then work, babysitter, home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used my crockpot a lot back then, simply to insure that my kids had a decent meal instead of a quick box of macaroni for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>To give me time to spend with them in the few hours we had each evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were, simply, living paycheck to paycheck and there was seldom anything extra.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-QeXa1angDi8NaZAudkEJYTj8vSapKUVfpYTCGgdc1gfrlNEfyrPu4SaLjb5sLKpF73s5jbdoDgRxjiMTe9DDoFnAXv9LUWTRPQXpQOC0aaPKJtukBfNTDGpMQaaicJ7J82kO2yfWIKd/s1600/scan0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-QeXa1angDi8NaZAudkEJYTj8vSapKUVfpYTCGgdc1gfrlNEfyrPu4SaLjb5sLKpF73s5jbdoDgRxjiMTe9DDoFnAXv9LUWTRPQXpQOC0aaPKJtukBfNTDGpMQaaicJ7J82kO2yfWIKd/s320/scan0006.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MIUNJItETihFgal_2nwAxxF8r_SIU7z2EkHVvviSh-vzYfcV7Dg9GDkdtBGZ5OT96aDDI66_iq05TIVptzGXlRp5P64RfMiI3kx_eEAvC1ftFlgsoid5IddZnJbeRXXAQFTQUpxrdO9s/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MIUNJItETihFgal_2nwAxxF8r_SIU7z2EkHVvviSh-vzYfcV7Dg9GDkdtBGZ5OT96aDDI66_iq05TIVptzGXlRp5P64RfMiI3kx_eEAvC1ftFlgsoid5IddZnJbeRXXAQFTQUpxrdO9s/s320/scan0005.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> As Christmas approached, I worked on making each of the kids a gift and managed to set aside a total of $30 to spend on presents. The pictures above are of the wooden checkerboard that I made for my son - all of the small dots, the birds, even the campfire, were painted using toothpicks, lol!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My daughter had always loved snow globes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called them “Happys”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, two days before Christmas, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a nearby store had a beautiful Happy on sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off to the store I went and felt so thrilled that they still had a few left!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made my purchase and, as I walked out the door, the bag was knocked out of my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That beautiful Happy fell to the pavement and broke into a dozen pieces!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was as shattered as that precious snow globe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked a few steps through the throng of last minute shoppers, braced myself against a wall, and burst into tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so devastated!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then a man and woman approached me and asked if I was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sobbed and told them, between gulps of air, what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wonderful woman stayed, talking to me, reassuring me, giving me the gift of her comfort and care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man left, but I didn’t really notice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then the man was back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held a bag out to me and insisted that I look inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had replaced that beautiful Happy and gifted it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then they simply wished me a Merry Christmas and walked away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The enormity of what they did was so much more than the cost of the Happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That they took the time to stop; that they cared enough to give of themselves and make a difference for a woman and a child that they didn’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They blessed me in so many ways that evening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have tried, since then, to always pay it forward; to see others through the eyes of love that I felt looking upon me then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">It doesn’t take a lot to lift someone else up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making a difference doesn’t require a huge investment of time or money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the small things are huge things in disguise, a grace that makes life sparkle and shine with love and possibilities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been twelve years and the gift that those two gave to me has never left me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering, as I’m doing now, can still bring tears to my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never forgotten; never stopped feeling gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left a legacy of love and generosity within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that legacy expresses itself in my own ability to be thankful, even for the seemingly small blessings in my life, and to give of myself and my resources as and when I can. It may be a few encouraging words, an expression of love or something more tangible - but there is always something to give.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Wishing you many blessings and miracles of your own, no matter how you celebrate the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And may you find grace and gratitude in each day of this coming year.</div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-74117656620442165162011-12-08T02:08:00.000-07:002011-12-08T02:08:23.706-07:00WooHoo Wednesday!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Oops! I know I've missed Wednesday by an hour or so (at least in my time zone) but WooHoo Thursday just doesn't do much for me, lol. </span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I’ve had a wonderful response to the new ‘Toot Your Horn Tuesday’ celebration on my Creative ARTitudes Facebook page, so I’ve decided to follow up with ‘WooHoo Wednesday’ as a way of showing my appreciation – and as another way for posters on my Facebook page to share their creative magic.<span> </span></span></span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>All of the links shown here will be to personal pages, blogs, shops, tutorials, giveaways, etc.<span> </span>I encourage you to explore the links, visit the sites (and yup, you can leave a message saying that I sent you – I won’t mind!) and have fun making new discoveries and new friends.</span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I considered posting alphabetically, but will instead list everyone according to the sequence in which their posts were made on Creative Artitudes Facebook page.<span> </span></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>If you see a link to your page, etc and you would prefer that you not be included, simply send me a private message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Hyacinths4) and I’ll make the change.</span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span>And now, meet the talented people who stopped by to toot their horns yesterday!<span> </span>The first link for each person will be to their Facebook page and the others will be noted as blog, shop, group, etc.</span></span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #c00000;"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_528609227"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/brian.leverton"> Brian Leverton</a><span> </span> Blog<span> </span><span> </span><a href="http://brianlart.blogspot.com/">http://brianlart.blogspot.com/</a> Brian's wonderful art </span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jeanne.fry">Jeanne Fry</a> Blog <a href="http://consciousartstudios.blogspot.com/%20">Conscious Art Studio</a><span> </span>“art and music that is meant to speak to you on a visual, emotional, and consciously aware level.”</span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sooziii">Soozii Parkes</a> Blog <a href="http://sooziiiart.blogspot.com/">Soozii's Artwork</a> a variety of wonderful art – nudes, abstract and impressionist, animals, sea and landscapes, portraits.</span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #c00000;"></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/carol.desjarlais1">Carol Desjarlais</a><span> </span>Group:<span> </span><span></span><a href="http://alittlegoddessinall.ning.com/">Goddesses, art, poetry, discussion</a> Book:<span> <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/1944450">Shhhhh!! A Creation Story</a> </span><span class="messagebody"></span>The book has great reviews! </span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messagebody"><span></span></span><span class="messagebody"><span style="color: #c00000;"></span><span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharon.p.pope">Sharon Prater Pope</a><span> </span>Blog<span> <a href="http://wwwmoxiebluecom.blogspot.com/">Moxie Blue - Sketches From Rabbit Hop</a> </span></span><span class="messagebody"></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Caption2"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jodi.lebrun">Jody Lebrun</a><span> </span><span> </span>Etsy<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81911908/lovebirds-with-2-initials">Creative Life By Design</a><span class="Caption2"><span> </span>Website<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.creativelifebydesign.com/">Creative Life By Design</a><span class="Caption2"></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Caption2">Dena Anderson<span> </span><span> </span>Etsy<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TribeZenCreations">Tribe Zen Creations</a><span class="commentbody"><span></span></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/knittingandthings">Kelly Donovan</a><span> </span><span> </span>Etsy<span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knittingandthings">Knitting and Things</a></span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knittingandthings"></a><span class="commentbody"></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/andrea.plotts">Andrea Nicole Plotts</a> </span>Website<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.mtnrose.com/">Welcome to Mountain Rose</a><span class="commentbody"><span> </span>Store<span> <a href="http://www.freewebstore.org/storepage1035946.aspx">Mountain Rose Store</a></span></span> <span class="commentbody"><span></span>YouTube<span> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/andebelieves">Mountain Rose Videos</a><span class="commentbody"></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000635987497">Alan Murphy</a></span><span class="commentbody"><span> Book <a href="http://www.avantcardpublications.com/">PsychoSilly</a> </span>Wonderful children’s book illustrated with colorful collages<span> </span></span></span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PhotosByPab">Patricia</a><span> </span>Website <a href="http://eccentricaesthetics.com/">Eccentric Aesthetics</a> Photography, Mixed Media Art, Funky Accessories </span> </span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThirteenThreads?sk=info">Donniece Smith</a> </span>Blog<span> </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://thirteenthreadsfromthewildheart.com/">Thirteen Threads From the Wild Heart</a></span></strong></span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Laura Attuquayefio (Lola)<span> </span></span></strong><span class="commentbody"><span> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LBoogie">https://www.facebook.com/LBoogie</a><span> </span></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001872488990">Donna Harris</a><span> </span>Blog<span> </span></span><span class="messagebody"><a href="http://donna-myartjourney.blogspot.com/">My Art Journey</a></span></span></b></h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rebelgirl73">Boriqua Rebel</a></span> <span> </span>Etsy<span> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBlackOwlJewelry?ref=seller_info">The Black Owl Jewelry</a></span></span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b> <h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/knittingandthings?ref=ts">Kelly Donovan</a><span> </span>Blog<span> </span><a href="http://knittingandthings.com/">Knitting and Things</a> YouTube<span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/knittingandthings?feature=guide">Knitting and Things Video</a></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/knittingandthings?feature=guide"></a></span></span></b></h6><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jozi.R">Jozette Rodriquez</a><span> </span></span><span class="commentbody">Fan Page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AngeliqueAwakening">Angelique Awakening</a> Creative Divine Wisdom for Your Life Business<span> </span></span><span class="messagebody"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SerenitySocialMedia">Serenity Social Media</a></span></span></b> </h6><h6 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentbody"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_528609346"><span></span></a><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1459418813">Erin Ford</a> </span>Shop<span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhimsybyErin">Whimsy By Erin</a></span></span></span></b></h6><h6><b><span class="commentbody"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stewalynn" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Linda Roberts Stewart</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Blog </span><a href="http://www.stewalynnstudio.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stewalynn Studio</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Zazzle </span><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/stewalynn" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stewalynn Creations</a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></b><span class="commentbody"><span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ebay </span><a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/stewalynn/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stewalynn</a></span></b></span></span></h6><h6><span class="commentbody"><span><b><span style="font-size: small;">I'd love some feedback! Did you visit some (or all) of the links? Did anyone visit you? Is WooHoo Wednesday (and it will be on Wednesdays!) something you'd like to see continue? Hearing from you will let me know whether or not this is worth my time and effort to do on a regular basis :) </span></b> </span></span><span class="messagebody"></span></h6>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-41559302723071254472011-12-05T21:36:00.000-07:002011-12-05T21:36:21.720-07:00An A-musing Tale<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">In 2010, when I began my ARTbundance coach training, one of the exercises I did involved meeting my muse, developing a dialog and creating a representation of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really was skeptical, so you can imagine my surprise when my muse came through loud and clear!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not only via dialog, but with a perfect picture of her in my mind.</span></h6><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The only collage I had done up to that time had been a vision board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t drawn since I was 17; had never used a paintbrush or watercolors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it was coincidence that, soon after meeting her I not only created collages, but also dabbled in mixed media for the first time and created a large altered art Vision window as my final project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past year I’ve been exploring mixed media and art journaling as well. </span></h6><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Discovering and communicating with your Muse can be life altering and liberating in so many ways!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s having a short cut and direct line to the wisdom we all hold within ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It acquaints us with our intuition; that deep inner knowing that so many of us have learned to ignore; in a way that is gentle, non-threatening and uplifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Muses can bypass all the conditioning and the old, worn out negative beliefs that might be chanting in our subconscious minds.</span></h6><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s been simple, for me, to connect with Calliope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find a place of calm within myself, focus my mind and then open the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could do this wholly in my imagination, but find that I really prefer the written word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I write letters, or notes, sharing my issues or questions and then wait for an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t judge or doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply write down the words that come to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am always amazed at the answers!</span></h6><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I’d like to introduce you to her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name in Latin means “beautiful voice”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is here to nurture my creativity, to en-courage me, to whisper ‘you can do it!’ in my ear when I’m full of doubts, to remind me to ‘keep it in kindergarten’ when I over complicate things, and to foster my ability to heal – myself and others – through my creativity.</span></h6><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiqW-2W7LEGz3xX-93Y6NIzuUR50Pqd_ZPl7nPAq5T-JBZEQkRx28gBlhE-eu0iJXJtNigJHZlI1oFLql8EF3OLQzDAn8PSwORUY8_jXLA2NP-HuhG1eJYChPW4WoV7WBnr6xWGaq-YZo/s1600/ARTbundance_Muse_Calliope+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiqW-2W7LEGz3xX-93Y6NIzuUR50Pqd_ZPl7nPAq5T-JBZEQkRx28gBlhE-eu0iJXJtNigJHZlI1oFLql8EF3OLQzDAn8PSwORUY8_jXLA2NP-HuhG1eJYChPW4WoV7WBnr6xWGaq-YZo/s320/ARTbundance_Muse_Calliope+001.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Calliope that you see here was created using a paper doll template and a vintage graphic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has affirmations written over the majority of her body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her dress is a combination of paper, fibers and beads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lace is hand colored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has an Angel sitting on her shoulder (as stubborn as I’ve been in discovering my creativity, she’s needed an Angel all her own!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a brad on her throat (5<sup>th</sup> Chakra) symbolizing turquoise, a hand of light on her abdomen and points of light on her hands.</span></h6><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I later discovered that turquoise is believed to have the properties of wisdom, serenity, wholeness, self expression, creativity; symbolizes a time to be honest with yourself and is a reminder to share your vision and walk your talk!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hand of light represented on her abdomen is said to carry energy assisting in healing and spiritual growth. Wow!!</span></h6><h6 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Are you in touch with <i>your</i> muse? I'd love to hear about her and how she affects your creativity, if you're willing to share in the comments! If you haven't yet introduced yourself to your muse, is it something that you could see yourself doing - or do you think that I'm more than a little bit crazy and 'woo-woo'? I invite you to share that too! For now, I need to chat with Calliope about my latest project and the block that I've run into...</span></h6>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-82112567624146041472011-11-20T14:33:00.000-07:002011-11-20T14:33:41.987-07:00A Hero's Heart<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had trouble picking up the coffee pot this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arthritis…I think I have more trouble with the psychological aspects than the pain, I really do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;"> </span><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m remembering being 31 and beating two grown men who jumped me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just had my daughter two months before (a Caesarian) and she was in her car seat, in the car, when I was attacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember other times when physical strength was a blessing…not just during times of crisis, but in daily life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In being able to do things for myself and hold my own when working with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTHgOf3FdBe1vZ0f-bBirqJdvsikCLvNPwCOmAK4M6SGbD2Z9I2ZqKqFbdp_gqthitUPKevWu-xmTSTwdEpuSokQnpp2VFga3aGmwGdQOV4GJSY3JutLz1JzMYo751V48WLC0_3H_uXrI/s1600/1988_NewbornMarta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTHgOf3FdBe1vZ0f-bBirqJdvsikCLvNPwCOmAK4M6SGbD2Z9I2ZqKqFbdp_gqthitUPKevWu-xmTSTwdEpuSokQnpp2VFga3aGmwGdQOV4GJSY3JutLz1JzMYo751V48WLC0_3H_uXrI/s200/1988_NewbornMarta.jpg" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1988</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxmsoplaintext"><br />
</div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And when my legs, feet and lower spine started affecting my ability to walk and stand I can remember how precious and exciting it was to discover kayaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an activity that I could do using my upper body strength; it allowed me to be and feel active and I loved it – until I became ill with fibro.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdt1-1XaMxqEmiCeFAhftf-M86hFFIO4hSZL7namcTqMWEQxBI60u4UEMuxRlzazFU4KYwMu8O0D6iGkqnEAAY8sdUBgOvYFXJnM0Rva_Hb4eQaOgZY_VslO9SDe6DScVtPJw2JuCF33B/s1600/scan0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdt1-1XaMxqEmiCeFAhftf-M86hFFIO4hSZL7namcTqMWEQxBI60u4UEMuxRlzazFU4KYwMu8O0D6iGkqnEAAY8sdUBgOvYFXJnM0Rva_Hb4eQaOgZY_VslO9SDe6DScVtPJw2JuCF33B/s200/scan0070.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1996</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxmsoplaintext"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But even with the fibro, I could still lift coffee pots. More than anything else that my body has experienced, the arthritis makes me feel weak. Makes me feel helpless and dependent. I’m struggling with that right now. I know the pain is related to the cold weather, with temps below 30 degrees many mornings. And I know that I’ll adjust and adapt, it’s just being in the ‘how’ stage that is uncomfortable.</span></div><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Multiple crises in my life have taught me that I am strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just physically, but emotionally as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not afraid of taking action; I’m not afraid of stepping in and doing what needs to be done or of defending others when it's needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span> </span>I have no idea where it came from, but I have a hero’s heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see that so clearly now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that heart has made a difference, not just for me, but for others as well.</span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;"> </span><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From living through a revolution in a ‘third world’ country at the age of 6; surviving years of abuse and neglect; an abusive marriage; many, many multiple miscarriages and a near death experience; being hit by a car; single parenthood and poverty; to surviving a bombing and the resulting homelessness at the age of 36, I have survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span> </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span>In being called to work in social services; in advocating for myself and others; in speaking in public and giving workshops; in using my life experiences as fuel to make a difference; I have survived.</span></span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span> </span>I have been true to what has meaning in my life and am learning more and more to be true to myself .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have grown, I have triumphed and I KNOW that there are so many different kinds of strength other than the physical.</span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;"> </span><div class="ecxmsoplaintext" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If I hold these memories close right now, it is because they remind me of who I am and what I’m capable of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They give me strength for this part of my journey, traveling through my personal ‘undiscovered country’ and seeking new ways of being in the world.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4pjV4nRKP_uoAh2ac3VNNy2vzw-WXygzO4rFwrj9cTcyYfv53EpWzsEezTi_GLvb-zAXvYKCwv1oX5v2ZC5XDAPbs8w4C4kbspRDUwFHlJmqgU6HMdh8ai4xRaXxQCVAzEHJh88bcphc/s1600/Moi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4pjV4nRKP_uoAh2ac3VNNy2vzw-WXygzO4rFwrj9cTcyYfv53EpWzsEezTi_GLvb-zAXvYKCwv1oX5v2ZC5XDAPbs8w4C4kbspRDUwFHlJmqgU6HMdh8ai4xRaXxQCVAzEHJh88bcphc/s200/Moi1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxmsoplaintext"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, I may have trouble lifting the coffee pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can still hold my grandson and hug my kids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can still create and craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can write, type and read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can advocate. And I can see, feel and cherish all the good, all the light, that life has to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the wonder of being human is our ability to learn, to change, to adapt, to grow and to choose, in each moment, what our perceptions and focus will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext"><br />
</div><div class="ecxmsoplaintext"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What are you choosing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-38001978999420986742011-11-06T10:33:00.000-07:002011-11-06T10:33:07.281-07:00Imprinting With Craft Foam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobOGnpWOPsuyaqcIeawcbLHnyLjf13abrPUQT0kun7B3kVkO2B1Gx-gY9KelEZrAKx3z3WY6dS2inbtnvtfDosmfR7CblT7880BeHGu0cC_-hqLGSDbQJ7EzZUjyaN22WIcqPqJcdHFgh/s1600/scan0004.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
I've been experimenting this morning and I have to admit that I'm really happy with the results! <br />
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I bought a package of craft foam at Dollar Tree - ten 8" x 12" pieces for, you guessed it, a dollar! I cut each piece in half (4" x 6") before starting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcCG9_2vLK-FFRgxtbG4egPdE0nAAYgLr4p1J6kYigXiYNZg3KeP3cftZd2Umnh1TvDcvtoH8qJ0QUv4obkENEpcHbx4hnrOwXyXz5nVUy9nrDeYtOseTSlCHTlayfHmMVqNKLlXeya3x/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcCG9_2vLK-FFRgxtbG4egPdE0nAAYgLr4p1J6kYigXiYNZg3KeP3cftZd2Umnh1TvDcvtoH8qJ0QUv4obkENEpcHbx4hnrOwXyXz5nVUy9nrDeYtOseTSlCHTlayfHmMVqNKLlXeya3x/s320/scan0001.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
I played with pen and paper at first, trying different designs, and once I had a few that I liked, I began drawing the designs directly onto the craft foam using a ball point pen, thickening the lines as necessary. This particular foam is fairly thin and I had to be careful not to imprint to the point of cutting completely through to the back. I didn't worry about having everything perfect. I think that any imperfections just add charm to the end results! These are the ones that I ended up with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Js9MrC9N8zkRz4Zrg_9tSffgmZeLmVlUWiTEAfoT-JSFUhCoQtZ1ievoJFEgnlVZy4Js49kROmoohfx4n6AGHqdy3pAhei_C_Gl_1XqatQikBMYulh4xhxtevIRPlkPHsHuyCxgEnecP/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Js9MrC9N8zkRz4Zrg_9tSffgmZeLmVlUWiTEAfoT-JSFUhCoQtZ1ievoJFEgnlVZy4Js49kROmoohfx4n6AGHqdy3pAhei_C_Gl_1XqatQikBMYulh4xhxtevIRPlkPHsHuyCxgEnecP/s320/scan0002.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx3aRY_aoLmAr0dBZ8oZXIMo_HtDBom8ohr8rSVpu_4pAQUW3N0rsyeRmkLcbxxCIUhHa_57qrH-fTMcwSqQAXwaAESRlfSr90ic239HJxU8-o3a2eig0phFLDQTRALK0CxYKEPqGKgm-/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx3aRY_aoLmAr0dBZ8oZXIMo_HtDBom8ohr8rSVpu_4pAQUW3N0rsyeRmkLcbxxCIUhHa_57qrH-fTMcwSqQAXwaAESRlfSr90ic239HJxU8-o3a2eig0phFLDQTRALK0CxYKEPqGKgm-/s320/scan0003.jpg" width="287" /></a></div> <br />
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These are the results on paper. I used foam paint brushes and acrylic paints to coat the foam sheets, then flipped the sheet over, applied it to the paper and gently smoothed the back of each sheet to make the imprint. I recommend rinsing the sheets and gently cleaning after use to avoid paint build up and allowing multiple usage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_AX2N6OSn-wervpP2XA3SlWQ_x79aWWhqDX0eVXIG-1v-AJZ3E6Lc4_e5nxON9FRQVKkHKo8FhXuUIqwyHvRMDwHCmnxOf0MKWj6KbwWYT-2uXw_raQnWlconpotGFD4NJY-LZMTNLTl/s1600/scan0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_AX2N6OSn-wervpP2XA3SlWQ_x79aWWhqDX0eVXIG-1v-AJZ3E6Lc4_e5nxON9FRQVKkHKo8FhXuUIqwyHvRMDwHCmnxOf0MKWj6KbwWYT-2uXw_raQnWlconpotGFD4NJY-LZMTNLTl/s320/scan0007.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__CCLgpDvNbk852INc2B1aN1zAZjp8huj0y7i4q5REdp-WIXTrL9b0IuORcqnr80cbF4nxnKcmAokvRBBYKkkhWH6LpBQjVw8HSl11FksRKqD57mw8PkiPdctMluhp_vyNn_JYiT2Lnc4/s1600/scan0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__CCLgpDvNbk852INc2B1aN1zAZjp8huj0y7i4q5REdp-WIXTrL9b0IuORcqnr80cbF4nxnKcmAokvRBBYKkkhWH6LpBQjVw8HSl11FksRKqD57mw8PkiPdctMluhp_vyNn_JYiT2Lnc4/s320/scan0006.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobOGnpWOPsuyaqcIeawcbLHnyLjf13abrPUQT0kun7B3kVkO2B1Gx-gY9KelEZrAKx3z3WY6dS2inbtnvtfDosmfR7CblT7880BeHGu0cC_-hqLGSDbQJ7EzZUjyaN22WIcqPqJcdHFgh/s1600/scan0004.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobOGnpWOPsuyaqcIeawcbLHnyLjf13abrPUQT0kun7B3kVkO2B1Gx-gY9KelEZrAKx3z3WY6dS2inbtnvtfDosmfR7CblT7880BeHGu0cC_-hqLGSDbQJ7EzZUjyaN22WIcqPqJcdHFgh/s200/scan0004.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
The one shown here (to the right) was my first attempt, and I used the spiral design in decorating the cover and back for the journal I've created to use in <a href="http://findingyourvoiceoftruth.com/e-course-and-e-kits/">The Truth Project</a> which is an eight week long workshop that I'm taking with Stephanie Gagos. I used permanent marker to highlight the spirals. You could use markers of different colors, a glaze, wash of watercolor, apply multiple colors in layers or highlight with glitter...and have a variety of results.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EzFSux_Fq5t6l0m65iZ3TNOPKMoQGw2_V2hLDwVyOKbbAghwQYDRZX3zejCoLeQXNH1dGOIOBTw1IieNAw6zirHdWFOVE7tJZ7RKVd0GnTba4rxbLz89theskTdvodL8fY54Wll2E5-E/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EzFSux_Fq5t6l0m65iZ3TNOPKMoQGw2_V2hLDwVyOKbbAghwQYDRZX3zejCoLeQXNH1dGOIOBTw1IieNAw6zirHdWFOVE7tJZ7RKVd0GnTba4rxbLz89theskTdvodL8fY54Wll2E5-E/s320/scan0009.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCtoxJ-wvyKSkz7OZZFLQeUPsUIsPs0ym5I3C0ugKN-dnxOJQ2YsL0vo-6W09aOq0Pn3Iv_7AYnX0ZaHAmaFA6Qa1lXayzGg5y4FrSqoQ2lkHpj1wsblRnHroFzTmuVhxgAucZceCH5qY/s1600/scan0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCtoxJ-wvyKSkz7OZZFLQeUPsUIsPs0ym5I3C0ugKN-dnxOJQ2YsL0vo-6W09aOq0Pn3Iv_7AYnX0ZaHAmaFA6Qa1lXayzGg5y4FrSqoQ2lkHpj1wsblRnHroFzTmuVhxgAucZceCH5qY/s320/scan0008.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
I have to admit to having favorites! The spirals, the swirls that remind me of bandanas, and the leaves. The geometrics are nice too and I think they, especially, would work well highlighted with markers. And just the idea of having up to twenty different imprints for only a dollar - well, the frugal me is loving that too!Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-47530606422742216672011-10-17T08:17:00.000-06:002011-10-17T08:17:20.734-06:00Obstacles As Opportunity<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">"Just because the road ahead is long, is no reason to slow down. Just because there's much work to be done, is no reason to get discouraged. It's a reason to get started, to grow, to find new ways, to reach within you and discover strength, commitment, determination, discipline. Right now you may be at the beginning of the journey. What a great place to be! Just imagine all the things you’ll learn, all the people you’ll meet, the experiences you’ll have. Be thankful that the road is long and challenging, because that's where you’ll find the best that life has to offer!" — Ralph Marston</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfbWl4zRhEAviSKPiWLJst4Cwp-Fe4SuNrk1aNmGuuZNihTtad5Ul18usKxP8yS4P9Lg7CaKjJR6iUhOL1yWfn2INdBXSJ7t2qN427hbxjqIFStBP-iBwc01dz8kivhgY5_G1y1xGCmSa/s1600/Art_Odalisque_Renoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfbWl4zRhEAviSKPiWLJst4Cwp-Fe4SuNrk1aNmGuuZNihTtad5Ul18usKxP8yS4P9Lg7CaKjJR6iUhOL1yWfn2INdBXSJ7t2qN427hbxjqIFStBP-iBwc01dz8kivhgY5_G1y1xGCmSa/s320/Art_Odalisque_Renoir.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Living with chronic illness, at least for me, means that every change or altered circumstance requires an adjustment that can alter routines that I depend on in order to function well. And those adjustments take time; they take a commitment to work it through, to find ways to incorporate the changes into a new routine that doesn’t take away from hard won progress.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I’m in the midst of that process now and, sometimes, I simply resent the time and energy it takes. Why? Because it doesn’t leave me enough to do the things I truly love – to make art, to create in some way, to produce something positive or interact with things outside of myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">But change is the only constant in life and how we deal with change defines our journey. I allow myself some momentary angst, frustration or even self pity – almost always with a set limit, and always knowing that it’s an act of release that allows me to move into a greater energy of determination and discovery.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">And so I make the effort to stay connected, even if the effort is necessarily small. I continue to read, to learn, to explore even when I’m not currently capable of applying those things in concrete ways. I’m in a place right now where I can be inspired, but don’t have the focus or the energy to actively follow that inspiration. I’m not making art; not art journaling; not creating with my hands; so for now, I keep track of those inspirations and note them down so that I can return to them later. To not be accepting of where I am would only delay the changes that I need to make. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">I choose instead to see my current obstacles as opportunities to find new ways of moving forward; new ways of living my life in the best way possible. I am more than my illness, more than my disabilities, more than any obstacle that life could provide.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Every chance to rework the way I live my life is also a chance to be more authentically me; to be more present and more alive. I haven’t yet gotten to the place where I can say that I’ve befriended my illness or my disabilities, but I AM learning to befriend myself, with all of my quirks and challenges. It’s a progression, an inherent part of growth. I can’t help but feel that the point at which I am able to embrace even what I may now see and experience as negatives will be the point when I truly transcend them. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal;">For now, I’m grateful to the people and the community that I’ve gathered around me. For your generosity of spirit and abundance of creativity, for your patience and understanding, and for the inspiration that fuels my days. </div><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
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</div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-71785473901772128932011-10-05T07:11:00.000-06:002011-10-05T07:11:36.618-06:00The Girl Effect<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">As a girl growing up in an a strictly male friendly environment<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned through both spoken and unspoken messages that being me was not a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That silence and being as invisible as possible was by far the safest<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thing for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that there really was much safety in a family harboring multiple abusers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that my silence improved the abuse and neglect or silenced the many derogatory and negative statements made to and about me within my hearing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The fact that I am a strong, loving, compassionate woman has little to do with my birth family, and everything to do with my having had people in my life, from outside my family, who took me under their wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who showed me different ways of being in the world and healthier ways to interact with others;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who nurtured me, encouraged me, believed in my worth. </div><span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">From a neighbor woman inviting me over to read books, to family friends who ‘adopted’ me on the weekends and over holidays, to my best friend’s mother who taught me how to deal with the changing body and emotions of an adolescent, to my mother’s friend who took me out occasionally for lunch and ‘girl talk’, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to the librarian who guided my reading choices and encouraged my love of books, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lucky and blessed to have Angels in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDa7IvZBzfbIrHzaQ2-GMJ3nCCD-twNzovhyUzS8YIkZCWSogiESmvMNMa5whnfTcOEdCHVuqE8u92VzIHvSCx6gwUrJEKGY-eTOaj3EqzrrBhQsk8c_95fkyxK4_0xO99WFAhza2MNsM/s1600/angels_IHaveSent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDa7IvZBzfbIrHzaQ2-GMJ3nCCD-twNzovhyUzS8YIkZCWSogiESmvMNMa5whnfTcOEdCHVuqE8u92VzIHvSCx6gwUrJEKGY-eTOaj3EqzrrBhQsk8c_95fkyxK4_0xO99WFAhza2MNsM/s320/angels_IHaveSent.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t until I was an adult that I truly realized the vastness of the gifts that each of them gave me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that seem simple, but that made it possible for me to grow into a woman capable of transforming and transcending the anger and pain; into a mother capable of raising my family in more positive, loving ways.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are all pebbles in the pond, never truly knowing where the ripples lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet every action we take, no matter how small, ripples out into the universe and into other people’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word of encouragement that you give may be a lifeline; the action that you take may allow hope and courage to shine within someone elses life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Never think that you can’t make a difference, or that making a difference calls for more resources than you have. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have gifts to offer and what seems small or inconsequential to us may be the miracle that allows another young woman to survive and flourish and gift the world with her presence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be the pebble in the pond for the girls around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for those who share this world with us, in places and countries physically distant from us, please check out the wonderful work of <a href="http://www.girleffect.org/learn/the-big-picture">The Girl Effect</a> and learn how you could be the change for them as well. If you have a blog, please consider joining with me and participating in the <a href="http://www.taramohr.com/girleffectposts/">2011 Girl Effect Blogging Campaign</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-81278290544545630752011-09-06T17:13:00.000-06:002011-09-06T17:13:09.210-06:00Jump In - It's a Stash Swap!Okay! Are you ready? You're going to enjoy participating in this! I organized my first swap last March via my Creative ARTitude Facebook page and it was a huge success. Now that I have a blog, I thought it would be even more fun to organize the swap here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a blast going through my personal stash of art supplies and using intuition to put together a surprise for someone else, and receiving a package in the mail was exciting too - almost like Christmas! Everyone participating felt the same. With a swap, you never know what inspirations might arrive in that little package...or how the items that you send will inspire someone else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>What can you swap? It could be ephemera, graphics, collage sheets, cabinet cards, stickers, stencils, scrapbooking paper, fibers, beads, buttons, charms, small kits, brads, chipboard, small rubber stamps, miniatures - just about any supply from your stash that can fit into a USPS flat rate envelope. This is a large, sturdy cardboard envelope or mailer that measures 12.5 inches by 9.5 inches and the cost to mail it is only $4.95.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyX0TtwltU9z7fYUSiyPfCEEHgkjANvtM_OHuDcg1SKrG7ZJXqCibUT8mQtRwECJTkhiFHR9-H57gK46X6De4zrwB3luLnhCAOxbi_aSc0BW2E1hkpMPeZc-nHD2jCfPR0hqm8daSuQ-q/s1600/StashSwap_Sept2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyX0TtwltU9z7fYUSiyPfCEEHgkjANvtM_OHuDcg1SKrG7ZJXqCibUT8mQtRwECJTkhiFHR9-H57gK46X6De4zrwB3luLnhCAOxbi_aSc0BW2E1hkpMPeZc-nHD2jCfPR0hqm8daSuQ-q/s320/StashSwap_Sept2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You'll be sending only to the person following you on the list. Once I have all of the names for participants, I'll be getting in touch with each of you with contact information for <u>only</u> the person following you on the list. Your contact information will only be shared with one person and won't be used for any other purpose.<br />
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When you receive the name of the person you'll be sending to, please connect with them online via email to get/give snail mail info (and maybe learn a little bit about your swap partner!) and be sure to put "Stash Swap" in the subject line so that they know your message isn't spam. Be sure to check your junk mail folder, just in case.<br />
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To participate in the swap, simply leave your name and email (use the format kalikokitty at gmail dot com instead of kalikokitty@gmail.com) in the comments. If you're not comfortable doing that, then send me an email (my email addie is below). If you live outside the US, or are willing to mail outside the US or your own country, please state so in your comment. No guarantees, but I'll do my best to find partners for any of you who are outside the US. I'll be taking names until September 15 and will get in touch with each of you after that.<br />
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There is no specific date to mail packages, but there is a deadline - and that is September 24th.<br />
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To recap:<br />
<ul><li> Leave your name and email in the comment section by midnight Pacific time on September 15th</li>
<li>Are you outside the US? Please let me know!</li>
<li>Are you willing to swap with someone outside of your own country? Let me know that as well.</li>
<li>I will contact you between September 16th and 18th to let you know who your swap partner is</li>
<li> Contact your swap partner to get their snail mail information</li>
<li>Put together your swap package</li>
<li>Mail your package no later than September 24th</li>
<li>Enjoy the anticipation of receiving and opening the package winging it's way to you! </li>
<li>As a courtesy, and to help me ensure that the swap runs smoothly, please send me an email at <span style="color: #674ea7;">CreativeARTitude at hotmail dot com</span> when you've mailed your package, and again when you receive a package. Hearing from each of you will help me to make sure that no one is left out or overlooked and that we've all been able to share in the positive energy and fun.</li>
<li>Practice courtesy and gratitude by letting the person who has sent a package to you know that it's been received. </li>
</ul>If you create something using the contents of your stash swap package, I'd love to know about it so please feel free to share! Who knows, maybe I'll be able to do a blog post sharing your creations! <br />
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If you'd like to follow my blog (I'd be thrilled!) there are several options in the left hand column, so be sure to check them out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hs3a7qrMADR_4fnjyZa5ROiM5HsPRRv1KZJTEzF-z4glXCaeDyoV1vOUF61G_AhIMV35_hgIGV2QgnOlWUHdPyT86lki01avtj2a8NH39aS2hOnIHHcO5bM_Z5ec8Sn7zUYYgSTaPFfS/s1600/Channa_dragonfly_TY_Cyn+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hs3a7qrMADR_4fnjyZa5ROiM5HsPRRv1KZJTEzF-z4glXCaeDyoV1vOUF61G_AhIMV35_hgIGV2QgnOlWUHdPyT86lki01avtj2a8NH39aS2hOnIHHcO5bM_Z5ec8Sn7zUYYgSTaPFfS/s1600/Channa_dragonfly_TY_Cyn+copy.jpg" /></a></div>Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-62743677090594575222011-09-02T08:50:00.000-06:002011-09-02T08:50:49.628-06:00The Element of WaterWeek four of the Elements of Art Journaling workshop! I am so far behind, between health and life issues, but glad to have finished my art journal spread. I've been dealing with a major flare for the past week. This one included major pain in both arms, making it almost impossible to move or lift them. I'm so happy that the pain levels are ebbing and allowing me to do so many things that are usually taken for granted!<br />
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Being a water baby, I thought that this portion of the workshop would be a breeze but instead found it one of the most challenging. The writing portion was easy, but processing what came up during the writing - well, not so much!<br />
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Still, I had fun experimenting with background techniques for the spread and used my white gelly roll pen for the first time. I also used some sequin waste for the first time - gifted to me by a wonderful Wild.Precious friend.<br />
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The images that kept on coming up for me were rivers, mermaids and sea horses. I played with drawing a mermaid, but then moved to simply drawing a face. I hopped on over to Willowing's first lesson from her free Art, Heart and Healing workshop for a refresher. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The message "Be Gentle With Yourself" flowed out from the writing exercise. Perhaps because of the intensity of my health and pain issues lately, I had a lot of self-judgement and frustration pop into my writing and my awareness. Issues related to living with chronic disease and pain; with the changes and need for adaptation; with the grieving that they bring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Working through all of those emotions, I realized that this will be an on-going process. It's not a one time, fix all kind of thing. That judgment and frustration will visit me again, yet I have new tools with which to process them. And, as I always told my kids, practice makes perfect - or as close to it as we can get. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and part of the meaning of Seahorse as a totem? </div>"When seahorses come to visit it means consider all the possibilities! Don't limit your perceptions based on preconceived notions because things are not always as they seem. Seahorses can also bring a message to not overdo or work yourself to the point of exhaustion. You should be sure that you are meeting all of your own needs before taking on too many other responsibilities." (found at totemwisdom.com).<br />
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How perfect is that??<br />
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</a></div> Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-83779585549960595392011-08-30T17:19:00.000-06:002011-08-30T17:19:02.061-06:00Creativity Challenge - Result #1I've been accepted as a client in a supported employment program. Supported employment programs are meant to help adults with disabilities find paid positions; work that they can do in spite of challenges, physical limitations, etc.<br />
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After more than two years of fruitless job search, I'm excited to be working with an advocate and job development coach! It's been difficult getting to a point where I could admit and accept that I need the help, just as it's been hard getting to an acceptable comfort level within myself, moving past the "my body is a betrayer" and survival mentalities and finding ways to stabilize my health without the benefits of medical insurance or prescriptions. I've done an enormous amount of self-coaching, lol!<br />
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My advocate is taking a two pronged approach. The first involves helping me find work. Not just any job, but one that takes into account my interests, skills and passions. The second involves supporting me in building an online income via my crafts and finding ways to begin utilizing the coaching certificate that I earned over a year ago.<br />
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She's given me a challenge - to come up with five ideas for products that I could make, using only what I have on hand. I've decided on the products and have begun creating the 'prototypes' for each. I hope to post each item on my blog as they're completed, and will be having a giveaway when all five are ready.<br />
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The very first creation is made using three vintage fabric hearts, hand appliqued on muslin and decorated with embroidery, beads or buttons and embellishments. Each heart is unique and loving stitched. <br />
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The first heart is in blue and white ticking, with embroidery stitches, tiny flowers and seed beads.<br />
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The second is a darker fabric with tiny white dots, embroidered with a running stitch, flowers and seed beads.<br />
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The third heart is a pink and white stripe, embroidered and decorated with colorful buttons.<br />
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I have a stack of the vintage hearts and plan on making each one unique. I haven't decided whether to mount the hearts in wooden embroidery hoop frames or to mat and mount them in standard frames. <br />
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What do you think - hoop or frame, and why? I'd love to hear your opinion, so leave me a comment!Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-38927451546239644002011-08-15T08:51:00.000-06:002011-08-15T08:51:25.228-06:00The Element of AirThe element of air is the focus of the third week in The Elements of Art Journaling workshop at Wild.Precious. I'm an air and water baby with very little fire or earth in my horoscope, so I really enjoyed working with the materials. I associate a lot of positive things with air. The following is a chart of associations that I quickly came up with. Would you add anything to it?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKn35MlhsEA1afRV3QwNWAje2aD18gtQRTxP4FWaqQmZvRo7gnFIm3cFM4jcX6hZJjw_5FWuwtvnPDtnRc0zipNx5De9-XKM8ao_wGjzXntOmyaPEpj2XhQqByjOFPux4osccu9gO_liO/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKn35MlhsEA1afRV3QwNWAje2aD18gtQRTxP4FWaqQmZvRo7gnFIm3cFM4jcX6hZJjw_5FWuwtvnPDtnRc0zipNx5De9-XKM8ao_wGjzXntOmyaPEpj2XhQqByjOFPux4osccu9gO_liO/s400/scan0005.jpg" width="335" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tossed a lot of different ideas around for my journal page, but kept returning to the words of a chant that I learned when my kids were small. It's a beautiful chant, and one that I've used as a lullaby, as a balm during times of doubt, grief or pain, and as a prayer too. I'll share the words here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> May we walk in beauty in a sacred way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May we walk in beauty each and every day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> May the beauty of the fire</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lift your spirit higher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> May the beauty of the Earth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> fill your heart with mirth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May the beauty of the rain </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wash away your pain</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May the beauty of the sky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">teach your mind to fly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May we walk in beauty in a sacred way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May we walk in beauty each and every day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I chose words from the chant for my journaling page. And dragonflies. To me, dragonflies represent wonder, joy, gentle movement and lightness of being. I used gesso, watercolors, alcohol inks, glitter, flower embellishments and a tiny crocheted butterfly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each journaling page actually consists of two pages and it's necessary for me to scan each separately, so there are two images:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9CKdfb4SL4r8hMAFWop-rYo0TqeDHhkcaooV88e3M3ooYyJbHue84KoRhQc0Qvdzx_DXQLQMrcZgT8oDbez5W2WWHZF8eZw39Y1falIQFeChzqy1hyphenhyphenBBSPNM3A_YZW-t9QcjMR_2wQ8u/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9CKdfb4SL4r8hMAFWop-rYo0TqeDHhkcaooV88e3M3ooYyJbHue84KoRhQc0Qvdzx_DXQLQMrcZgT8oDbez5W2WWHZF8eZw39Y1falIQFeChzqy1hyphenhyphenBBSPNM3A_YZW-t9QcjMR_2wQ8u/s400/scan0004.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next up will be the element of water and I'm looking forward to working with it, creating a new page and enjoying the beauty that everyone in the workshop is creating! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.com8