Mountain Vacation

I simply cannot believe that it's been an entire month since I've last posted to my blog! Although it is an ongoing "work in progress", I still aspire to post more often than a month at a time. For those of you who do occasionally read my posts, I sincerely apologize. During this past month, I am happy to report that I actually went on vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For those of you who are not familiar, I encourage you to do a little research. It makes for the perfect mountain escape. The air was crisp, the weather was perfect - sunshine the entire time - and I was able to spend much needed valuable time with friends and family. This made it the perfect little getaway. My brother and his lovely fiance also finally tied the knot! A time of celebration and wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Speaking of memories, just a reminder that as we are all getting into the holiday festivities, which can sometimes feel overwhelming and draining, don't forget that each day we are making memories and we choose whether they are good and positive, or negative and bad. Remember to continually give thanks while fighting the crowds during shopping! Keeping your attitude on the right track will ensure that your holiday season gets off to a smooth start and stays that way! Cheers and happy shopping! Don't forget to check out Artistic Adornments for some great holiday gift ideas :-)

Fun with Makeup!

Okay everyone it's time to start thinking about your Halloween costumes if you haven't already! I LOVE Halloween. It's the one holiday that allows you to completely transform yourself and become whatever you want to be for an evening. I know we all have alter egos :-) When playing around with ideas, keep in mind that it can be relatively simple to change your persona with just a little makeup. It doesn't have to be complicated. You can change your overall appearance with just a few colorful strokes. For my Halloween look, I've decided on a peacock theme as suggested by one of my lovely co-workers. I adore the bright colorful hues and vibrant appearance this look provides. If I'm brave enough, I'll post pics! To explore some fun and whimsical makeup looks, check out this great site: www.taaz.com. Click on the Photo Gallery link for some great photos of artistic makeup designs. You can even upload your photo and become a "virtual" makeup and hairstylist! Enjoy!

Being Thankful!

I really enjoy the ability and opportunity to share things with friends and family via my blog. While contemplating the content of my post for today, I started thinking about basic things that enhance my life and make it better. I could never list or write about them all, but I feel truly blessed with my life - my family, my friends, my dog. I could go on and on. I appreciate the love that surrounds me. I'm always reminded of a prayer that I say often, and I'd like to share it with you. The first time I read it, I was brought to tears. I hope you are touched by it as well, whether you know it well or are being exposed to it for the first time. It's by St. Francis of Assisi, who was the patron saint of animals (no wonder why I have an affinity for him!).

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Exhale

There's nothing I love more than a beautiful Sunday walk during the peak of Fall season. The colors are so incredibly intense, the air is crisp and clean and time just seems to slow down a little. I don't know about you, but most of the time, I feel like I'm in turbo mode, busy with multitasking daily responsibilities! These wonderful "time out" walks give me an opportunity to stand back, exhale and take in all the beauty that surrounds me. I also find inspiration in nature. The color palettes that occur in the rich hues of the Autumn season provide me with ideas for creating, both in jewelry and makeup, believe it or not! I just love the deep yellow, scarlet red and burnt orange colors of the turning leaves, along with the brilliant blue of a clear sky. I encourage you to take time out of your busy schedules over the next couple of weeks to get out and take a nice, long walk. You may find that you are actually exhaling as well!

Forward Momentum!

I'm really excited to share some news with you... as of yesterday, I have my first official boutique assignment for my handcrafted jewelry! A year ago, I was only imagining that I would see my creations in a cute boutique, and today, that thought has manifested into reality. Proof that what you focus on consistently will ultimately come to fruition. The boutique is "Simply Sassy's" in Geneva, IL. They cater to local artists who need a venue for displaying their handcrafted works. They are in the process of designing a website, but the pictures I've displayed will give you an idea of their setup. This simple positive move for me gives me the encouragement to continue moving forward with allowing more and more creativity in my life. I hope you do the same. Have a fantastic day!

It's been at least a month since my last blog post. I've turned another year older since my last entry! Wow, how time flies when you are having fun! I just love having an October birthday. I'm a true Libra and have been thinking a lot lately about balance. I started a new job, which I'm totally enjoying, but now is the time when that delicate balancing act comes into play. Most of us have lives that are filled to capacity. Careers, families, friends, hobbies, etc. all demanding our attention and affection. This is a great thing, don't get me wrong. I do believe, however, that it's very easy to get off track and allow our focus and goals to become scattered and sometimes forgotten. When you begin to feel a little overwhelmed, it's time to remind yourself to step back, take a deep breath and relax. Reevaluate, reorganize and start over, if necessary, to get yourself back into balance. If you are overwhelmed and going in a million different directions, you can't expect anything else in your life to maintain consistency. Don't beat yourself if it takes a little time to get back on track. I'm not going to! Although I've taken a little time off from jewelry designing, I have been focusing on my other love, makeup artistry. Don't be surprised if you see some fun things posted about that area of my life also. Just remember...it's all good!

The Key to Creativity

"Creativity: a mental and social process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts". I love the process of creating something new that begins with just an idea then materializes into something tangible and real. Somedays, it's very easy to engage the process; however, some days require a little more work and thought to get the creative juices flowing. I have found that I encounter most of my creative blocks when I am thinking too hard about an idea, and in essence try to force thoughts instead of allowing them. One of the most successful keys to creativity is to just open up and let go! Instead of holding fast to rigid ideas, let your mind go free to wonder and imagine. There are absolutely no limits when you approach your work in this manner, and you may be surprised at what comes to you in these uninhibited moments. Don't judge your thoughts, embrace them. Don't compare your ideas; use them as an opportunity to become better and better at what you create! The key to creativity....ALLOW! (PS - this lovely key pin is going to made into a necklace which I totally plan on keeping! It's a Kramer of New York. Kramer was a leader in making fine costume jewelry in the 1940's. It's in excellent condition, and I got it for a steal!! LOVE when this happens).