To thine own heart be true....

I have been slowly working on this piece for awhile and she is finally done. New shadowbox assemblage that can be found on ebay today!

Acts of Kindness........

"She felt the searing heat reach for her
through the door of her past...despite her fear,
she knew the only way was through the fire"
Sharing a few more thoughts on art cards. I often think of those for whom the holidays can be so difficult. My heart always feels a bit heavy amidst all the Hallmark moments filling our television screens and the endless stream of commercials depicting overabundance and excess....heavy for those that see these images and feel pain, lonliness, sadness and loss during the holidays. The seasons of the year find so many of us at different stages of life... going through different experiences, challenges and even wonderful victories as well. My own journey has led me to have eyes that long to see the truth of a soul and a heart that can't help but want to pray for those who struggle. I am able to see the warmth and the goodnesss of this glorious season of Christ's birth but grateful God has allowed me to experience the pain as well...for it reminds me there are others who need to be carried and encouraged this season. So I thought I'd just encourage anyone who stops by to reach out to someone in need, share an act or word of kindness, remember to listen...I mean really listen....when you run into a long lost friend and ask how they are doing.....just slow down and remember that God may want to use you in someone's life...in that moment...for such a time as this....to bring light into a life that might be struggling in the shadows.

Congratulations Patricia Mosca!!!

OH Goodness.....Almost fell asleep and bolted up when I realized...EEK! Its Wednesday night...time for an art blessings drawing! I love reaching into my little basket...OH the anticipation of who I have the honor of blessing! Congratulations Patricia! What fun it was to discover your blog...or should I say many blogs! You'll have to check out Patricia's wonderful inspirational words and artwork! Check out her blog and take at a peek at several others she has going as well! I can't thank everyone enough for your wonderful comments. They truly have blessed me and confirmed my heartfelt calling to create art that weaves words and images that whisper authenticity and transparency! We all have seasons where we wonder if we make a difference...if our small part in the larger story really matters...the thoughts you have all shared with me were truly an encouragement! Creative blessings to each and every one of you!

Holiday Art Blessing Giveaway!

I hope you'll join me in the fun for a holiday giveaway! I have assembled a little goodie bag of greeting cards and ATC magnets that will come all nestled in a pretty organza bag with some holiday treats for one special winner whose name I'll draw on Wednesday night, Dec 12th! If you'd like your name put in the drawing just leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win! Just my way of saying thanks for all your wonderful and encouraging comments about this artistic journey I have been on! Thanks so much for sharing it with me! I also posted a few more pics of some art cards that listed on ebay today!

More Art to Share....

Just a few more pieces to share with you this week! I am continuing to enjoy the release that art cards have been bringing my heart. I also listed a couple new holiday ornaments. All of these are on Ebay. Stayed tuned for a holiday giveaway! I look forward to putting together some treasures to bless one of you with so check back on Friday and join the holiday fun!

In the Christmas mood.....

Feeling such a sense of joy this week! The family headed out for our annual cutting down of the Kent tree. The manly right of passage (the saw) was handed down from the older boys to their younger brother this year. He gave it a good first try! We bundle up, bring lots of favorite holiday CDs for the truck, pack up fresh baked Chocolate Kiss cookies and hot chocolate with marshmellows and away we go! Even though it was a rainy, muddy slush fest we had a great time!! I think this is the earliest ever I have had the house decorated and tree almost up....and I am not even drinking any Starbuck's Mochas these days! I guess its just genuinely feeling the Christmas spirit!! That and there is just nothing like playing holiday music around the house 24/7!! I feel such a deep sense of hope for this season. There is so much to be thankful for and wonderful memories to make with the kids. I am looking forward to seeing what the season brings!!!

New Original Art Cards.....

Its been awhile since I have played on the small canvas of art cards. I was reminded how much I love this size...these little bursts of creativity where a thought can be explored and brought forth from the inside where it has been ruminating...to the outside in a miniature visual, tactile form. Art cards are like small journal entries for me...a moment in time I can mark and remember...honoring where my heart was traveling and the inspirations and reflections that were stirring. I am so grateful today for the freedom and release that art brings into my life. These cards were listed on ebay this evening!

Altered Journals on Etsy....

Finished a series of colorful and inspirational altered art journals that I thought would each make wonderful holiday gifts for someone special. You can find the majority of these on Etsy and a couple are auctioning on ebay as well. Remember to take a moment to look to the heavens today and whisper something you are especially grateful for this holiday!

Ashes of Pain.....

"From the ashes of her raw pain rose the haunting melody of her true voice"

It takes great courage to allow your heart to sink into the music of grief and pain...to appreciate the dissonant chords and difficult harmonies. I believe some of the most deeply beautiful music in this life comes to the heart when it embraces loss and tragedy...even the most painful of our wounds. Although it doesn't have to define us it can bring a richness and depth to our voice that we had previously not known. In these seasons there is a unique opportunity to move with the music of pain and receive its gifts....to hear our true voice rise from the ashes.

This new work is on Ebay this evening. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Destiny......

Our Thanksgiving dinner was filled with warmth and good memories. I was queen of winning our annual "Spoons" game! It was a fight to the death (haha)! I was so relieved to find my way back into the studio today. I usually will find a small treasure I have had hidden away in some drawer that has been patiently waiting to be brought to new life. In this case it was a lovely handpainted face cab I found from Ebay seller "fantasyart00ak". She was so full of majestic royalty! The colors of her headress and cascading locks reminded me of new birth....of moving into her long awaited "Destiny"! She sits in a beautiful fluted glass bottle. So thought I'd share her with you. She can be found on Ebay if you'd like to see a few more pictures!

The Real Me.......

For those whose wings struggle to be free...for those who are dying from within...to be known...to be loved...to be seen from behind the veil...

Sharing The Art of a Kindred Friend....

I have been blessed to meet so many special friends along this artistic journey. Art seems to provide a unique and unspoken bond between those who delve into the mystery of the creative exploration of soul. I wanted to take a moment and share the beautiful thoughts and artwork of my friend Angie Young. She has a truly sensitive heart for the deeper longings and musings of the soul. Although she is new to sharing her altered art it is a natural transition from her wonderful keepsake scrapbooking art that she lovingly creates to tell the story of her children's lives. These two ATCs and several other touching sentiments can be found on ebay and her scrapbook art and kits for sale can be found here .

I hope you all have a Thanksgiving filled with the warmth of friends and family. I am hosting about 25 family over for the big turkey dinner so it should be festive! I haven't had as much time to create these days but I know my energy is being focused where it needs to be these last weeks...encouraging and being there for family that are going through a difficult season. Life can bring so many changes and challenges. Its been a good time for me to get my own thoughts and priorites in perspective. Thanks for stopping by and God Bless!

Sharing some artwork....

Risk Revelation.....

"Risk revealing who you are so you can live in the revelation of all you were meant to be".........

I have been thinking alot this weekend about our unique story. Each of us has one. Each of us has a road that only we have traveled...with wisdom and gifts of insight only we have learned. It is in the vulnerable sharing of our stories...in all their struggle, joy and pain...that it seems our hearts can only then be free to love, give and receive all that we were intended to. More importantly we are then free to reach out to others who are coming up the road behind us...reaching back to offer our hand...reaching back to say...keep going...I know its hard but there is hope. So many struggle alone. Each one can reach back to the one coming behind them though. God intended our souls to be embraced and carried in safe relationship. I hope you'll risk revealing your heart... and reach for someone's hand today.

It Takes Courage.....

"The courage to face the road that has been traveled...to receive the lessons of what has been... Invites the soul to embrace the journey that beckons ahead...the gentle hope of what can be"

A work that has been dear to my heart. In honor of all those who brave the journey towards healing the soul wounds of the past.

New Greeting Card Gift Sets.....

Set L-"Reveal Your Passion"

Set K-"Rest Your Soul"

Set J-" If Only She Believed"

Set I-"Blue Whimsey"


Set H-" Hope Beckons"


Set G-" Remember Your Wings"


Set F- "Faith Blessings"


Set E-"Faith, Hope, Love"


Set D- "Wings of Change"


Set C-" Love One Another"


Set B-" Journey"

Set A-"Embrace the Courage"

(Click on photos for larger view)

Its always quite a journey for an artist when they revisit the work they have been collecting over time! As I have been working on developing this line and selecting the designs to offer, each one was a quiet reflection on a place my heart was, a struggle I was going through or even a longing in my soul. I love how art captures these moments in time and allows us to look back and see where we have traveled...and discover that just maybe we are slowly growing and embracing the changes that new seasons bring.

I have had several requests for my work in greeting cards so I am really excited to be able to finally offer several gifts sets! Each print in the set of five cards is designed with the highest quality, archival safe, heavy photo paper, mounted on creamy cardstock and comes with an envelope. The set is sweetly tied with a lovely satin ribbon. These cards are wonderful to mat and frame as well! Each set is $19.99 (plus $1.95 for shipping in the USA, $3.95 International)) I thought I would offer them right from my blog. You can email me at lanikent@msn.com if you would like to place an order! These sets will soon be offered as well in my Ebay and Etsy stores!

Art Show....

Well I took my show on the road this weekend and just got back from my first all day art show! It was quite the festive occasion with about 150 other artists and crafters showing their work. I really enjoyed chit chatting with fellow artisians and meeting some wonderful people who strolled by and saw my musings for the first time. There were treats to be had and a terrific live jazz band playing holiday music to add to the creative mood! One of my sweet long time girlfriends hung out with me all day and we got to have some major chick time! There really is nothing like handing your work over to a buyer in person and sharing a little of yourself with them. I have been working on developing a card line with all my art collages from the past few years and enjoyed presenting them at the show. There are a couple of delightful antiques stores in my area that I hope will be carrying them soon! I find myself in a little bit of a transition with some things in the works to begin to share my work more in the recovery and counseling venue. Its truly where my heart is. Its with a sense of peaceful anticipation that I walk through doors God seems to be opening. You just never know what He is up to! I guess all you can do is keep taking the next step. I do hope to get back in the studio and create a few new pieces this week! Have a great weekend and remember to be kind and gentle with yourself and those you share your life with!

New Unmounted Holiday Stamps.....

Hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner! I have some wonderful new designs from my rubber stamp line that I recently listed on ebay. These are special, Christmas inspirational phrases that are wonderful for card, tag making and holiday altered books etc! I have still been busy preparing for my first small show this weekend. I love the festivities of an art and craft fair! Its a little crazy getting ready for one though! So many details, so many ideas, and only 24 hours in a day!!! I'll take some pictures and let you know how it went!

Moment of Silent Prayer.....

My heart is so heavy for all of the families that are experiencing such devastating loss in California. My brother and his family are safe thus far and I am so grateful. I'd invite anyone who stops by today to offer up a prayer for those who are facing this tragedy. God hears are words. God's heart grieves for His children who are hurting. Though we may not understand the why of such loss...His love and mercy are neverending....

Dear God....
Please wrap your arms around those hurting today. Bring them hope and healing and provide for their needs. Help them to see you in the comfort of friends, in the embrace of their children, in the provisions that are offered. Be near as they grieve and the tears fall. May their hand be held by a caring soul as they express the worry, the fear...and the anger. Provide a safe place to rest. Give them strength to handle the days ahead. Protect the tender hearts of the children. And please God....bring any further devastation to an end. Amen.

May our hearts be grateful today for even the tiniest of our blessings!

Congratulations Treva!

Joi de la Vie
Originally uploaded by Solitaire Miles

I wanted to thank everyone for all your encouraging comments and notes this week and for stopping by and joining my little drawing! I tried hard to stay up til midnight last night to officially draw one of your sweet names but I crashed! So dear Treva, this morning I reached in my little basket and your name was in my hand! You are the winner of the art blessing card set! I hope to hear from you soon ok!

I have been busy this week getting ready for a couple upcoming local art and craft shows I will be participating in. This will a first for me so I am excited to see how it all feels and a chance to share my work in person. Today its time to clean out the studio! I find I work and fuss and slowly build up a good dose of creative chaos around me. But inevitably I reach a point where I sit down with only a tiny patch of work space left visible and I can't think! So hopefully by tomorrow my Muse will return and have room to sit next to me!

The artwork is a wonderful piece by Digital Artist and Jazz Vocalist Solitaire Miles and you can check out a fabulous collection of her work at flickr!