hidden blessings

I've come to realize that every corner of my life provides hidden blessings.  I commented a few months ago (about my life) that "the more things change, the more they keep on changing".  I said this kind of in jest, but mostly because every time I think I have things figured out, they change... and I'm talking big change.  I would like to think that I'm pretty flexible by nature, and I would definitely say that I tend to be more optimistic than not.  But, it seems like I encounter a lot of surprises, and at times I'm taken aback by these startling changes.  Sometimes I have to work hard to wrap my head around a new idea or circumstance.  This tends to be a bit challenging for me, and I can definitely detect the onset of growing pains.  But, even when I'm feeling apprehensive or resistant to something new or different, once I get over myself, I can usually settle down and resign myself to a level of faith that allows me to accept what appears to be my fate.  Even when things seem bleak, I can somehow find a ray of hope amid the impending doom.  (that might be an exaggeration.... or maybe it's not)   But, always, I find blessings hidden among the details of my life.  I'm so grateful that I am able to look back on the changes I've experienced and easily identify the blessings I've been given.  I feel so fortunate that this realization allows me to have hope for the future and recognize that every good thing comes from God.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Whimspirations: soooo Letter Loved!

Whimspirations: soooo Letter Loved!

It's a great Day to be letter loved!

Wow!  Thank you, Joanne Sharpe, for not only sharing your talents and being such an inspiration, but for including my art on your blog as a Letter Love 101 example!!  I am thrilled & so very honored!  Knowing that 'I always had the power' is an amazing concept, but realizing that I'm learning to actually put my thoughts and ideas onto paper is a fabulous reality!  Thank you again for the wonderful opportunity to Choose Joy & be blessed.

making a big old mess

I'm still loving letter love!  It's a great excuse to collect tons of fun art supplies, use random bright colors all at once, and make a huge mess! 

joyness. who knew?

Who knew that such a simple phrase could brighten so many days?  I'm currently taking an art class (Letter Love), and I was given an assignment to create a "delightfully doodled" word.  It's kind of hard to pick one word.  joy? peace? play? fun? .... So many fabulous words to choose from.  I finally settled on joy.  I love being around people who exude joy... it's so contagious, and it always leaves me wanting to embrace the attitude.  In contemplating my design, I decided that one word just wouldn't do.  I wanted the message to be intentional.  So, "choose joy" was the obvious conclusion.  My Letter Love class has a Flickr page and a Facebook page where everyone posts pictures of their work.  It can be intimidating to put your work out there for all to see.  and judge.  and critique.  But, I just have to take a deep breath & post! The response to this phrase has been really moving.  The comments haven't been only about my artwork, but so many have replied that the message changed their day, inspired them, or put a smile on their face.  Wow!  Who knew that a simple message could have such an impact.  I love knowing that something I created really did bring joy!  Now, the only problem I'm feeling is..... replicating.

2-12-12

2.12.12... Isn't it funny how you wait and wait for your birthday, even when you're supposed to be a grown up?  For a lot of reasons, I decided a long time ago not to grow up.  Maybe loving my birthday is one of those reasons.  And really, it's not about anything other than the thrill of the sound of the date.  February 12th has always been my favorite day of all days.  I just love it.  I love the sound of it...  I love the feel of it.  Usually, I love it because I know that spring is so near.  But this year.... what a surprise!  Snow on my birthday!  I promise I've never seen snow on February 12th before!  It made for such an extra special day.  I love February 12th because.... it makes me feel good inside, I smile bigger, I'm eager to get out of bed, and I stay up as late as I can.  I just want to maximize every second of the day... because it's the best day of the whole year.  I look at life & everyone differently, and I feel joy in my heart.  And today, just as every other February 12th in my life, I know that I've been blessed beyond measure.  I have a family that I love, a boundless number of friends that surround me, and every good thing in my life is a gift from God.  

letter love!

I m having so much fun in my Letter Love class with Joanne Sharpe! She is so amazingly talented.  One class a day... for 29 days... I can't wait to see what happens!  I do know one thing... I should buy stock in art supplies.  I'm crazy about them & I just can't seem to get everything that I need (want).  There's always one more watercolor pencil, one more vibrant Copic marker, or a million other fabulously fun tools to extend & enhance the million+1 ideas that I have!

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flower

This was a fun project.  I love the bright colors. It definitely fit the mood of the day.

happy

This is "happy".... and doesn't it just make you feel uplifted, energized, and.....basically happy when you look at it?  Vibrant color, fun shapes. It was fun to create!