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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