Stamp Carving!

Its been an incredible week of steps taken, new doors opening and invitations awaiting the right timing! My deepest passion is to offer hope to those that have struggled with the wounds of the past. I was so honored this week to speak to a group of therapists and share my own journey and creative tools and processes to assist them in helping their clients. I felt stretched in every way possible! It seems a season of great risk, vulnerablity and learning is upon me. I am just trying to take each step as it arrives, take a deep breath and move forward. There is always something new to learn!


Speaking of learning something new...what fun I had today as our art journaling group arrived! After updating each other on the happenings in our lives, Michelle Allen brought materials for us to learn how to carve stamps from our unique drawings and doodlings. She has some great pictures on her blog that demonstrate the process. I was so inspired and I am sure stamp carving will now become my newest addiction LOL! Everyone tried their hand at drawing a design then transferring it to the rubber and carving away! The possibilities are endless for the what can be carved and used in collage and canvas work.

Spreading Her Wings...

My sweet friend and one of the most prolific artists I know, JoAnna Pierotti, has begun a new adventure teaching on-line Mixed Media and Assemblage Art classes! She has a wealth of experience, creative secrets and amazingly cool techniques to share and does so with an authentically open heart! She is developing a wonderful community where she will be offering her classes in an on-going, video format. I love the option of taking classes on line, at your own pace and in your own creative timing! The current class JoAnna is offering teaches her truly gorgeous Art Doll Assemblage techniques. If you'd like to join JoAnna and a growing community of artists as they spread their artistic wings, take a peek at the above link!

Although I am all signed up for the class I have to wait until I am through with several committments before I can get creating. So to tide me over til then, I made a little slide show of some of my own art doll inspired and themed pieces. I have long had a fascination with dolls of every style. There is something about the faces that whisper to me. Each one carries with it a unique story. It rekindles the little girl in me and the comfort that that special doll seemed to always bring. I have been dreaming of new doll creations for a while. That seems to be how new inspirations always begin....in the dreaming!

Standing By........

My Auntie Ria sent this to me today and I just had to share it. I love the power of music to transcend boundaries, distance and time. It has the ability to touch and move places in the heart that are completely unique to each listener. See where it takes you as you listen. Needing someone at one time or another to stand by us is a universal condition! Our souls were created in and designed for relationship! We may already have one who has taken their stand next to us, maybe a new friend has entered into our life unexpectantly and is quietly standing near or maybe we need to be willing to reach out and ask for the support. However the need arises, I believe there are enough of us to take a turn "standing by"!

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the right lower sidebar before viewing!

Happy Love day!

Hope you are enjoying the day and that you have someone to share a dose of love with, a bear hug, a valentine cookie or a beautiful flower! It just doesn't take much to extend a little "heart love" to those you care about! My husband presented me with the most gorgeous white roses and red tulips. His sweet, little box of chocolates came to my rescue as I was searching through the house desperately for a chocolate fix with my hot cup of tea lol! This was the first time he chose white roses. I was deeply moved. They just seemed to whisper of hope and renewal!

"One World One Heart" Giveaway Winner!

Well I had great plans to stay up til midnight and do my offical drawing but I dozed off! I want to thank everyone who came by and for all your wonderful comments. There were so many blogs to visit and it was such a great event! The response was overwhelming! I really did do it the old fashioned way and cut up all of your names to put in my butterfly box! That was alot of tiny pieces of paper! So I am happy to announce the winner of the "Soul Peace" Altered Journal is Melanie of Whimsical Creations. Congratulations Melanie! Please take a moment to take a peek a Melanie's blog...it is a delight!

Celebrating the Journey!

Shared a beautiful evening last night at a Pink Party celebrating the journey of a dear friend who has courageously walked though breast cancer this year. I love what women bring to each others lives. So many heartfelt conversations about whats important and the beauty that life's heartaches and struggles ultimately reveal. Pretenses get left at the door and life comes into the sharp focus when these kind of journey's are entered into. Hearts are opened wider, words that had not been spoken are shared and hands offer to help in the most meaningful and creative ways. My friend said looking back she is grateful for what the path gave her. She wouldn't trade it now. Pain brings us some of the most treasured gifts. As much as we might wish to never have to experience the difficult paths, death, grief, sadness, loss...in these valleys we find parts of our heart we might never have otherwise discovered. Its the opportunity to understand deeper truths. We see more clearly into the lives of those around us, reach for them and receive more willingly. That is the beauty in pain and struggle. To be in it but surrounded, allowing yourself to be held and celebrated. Let your pain speak into another's life. Let their support and love speak into yours.



I have been busy writing and doing alot of work for a presentation I will be giving soon and haven't had too much time in the studio. It was a treat to create this special set of collage art blocks for a dear customer this week and thought I'd share them with you!

Morning Reflection.....

Pause the music currently playing on the lower right sidebar of my blog before viewing the video!



Just offering an invitation right where you are...before the day slips by...before the sun sets....

to pause and be present
in this moment that is now
be grateful
remember what really matters
let go of what doesn't
ask for who needs your words, touch or prayers
listen for God's guidance
release what you are holding on to
take hold of what is before you
feel your breath
hear your heart beat
move through this day with intention
do the thing that is before
give what you can
receive what you are given
open your eyes
and truly see
the unspoken nature
of what is happening around you
live fully in this one day

Remembering.......

"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"


I was looking through images of work I had created a couple years ago and came across these two pieces. They reminded me of a different season of prolific creativity in my life. It seems it is good to remember. When you are risking heading around a new bend, and cannot see exactly where you are going, its encouraging to remember where you have been. We see so much farther and clearer when we turn around and take a moment to see with eyes that understand more now, have experienced more, a heart that trusts a little more...maybe is even a little wiser. I don't feel as afraid of letting my creativity ebb and flow as I use to...the fear that it all might wither and dry up and never return doesn't haunt me. Though my studio is more often quiet and less productive these days...I have come to understand that my creative energy moves, morphs, evolves and flows into many different areas of my life. I have learned to take it with me as the wind shifts and new steps are revealed.

I will never forget a dear woman who sat with me over coffee one day...many years ago...before I had begun to sell artwork or journey down this path I have now been on as a collage artist...a road that has now become somewhat familiar and safe to me. She was looking over several healing-themed collages I had created and framed. She stood up and one by one layed each piece around the floor. We stood in the middle of all of them in silence. I was unsure, feeling very vulnerable as these pieces felt like opening a secret cavern in my soul that felt so raw and vulnerable. I remember I was facing some risky steps in my own journey and was afraid this "art thing" was a freak occurance...a one time deal...that I could create any more collages seemed unlikely. I knew I was going to have to put my heart energy into some difficult personal work that would take me away from formally creating artwork that others would see...for a season...and into a secluded season of letting decades of secrets spill out through art that would ultimately be for my own eventual healing and freedom. She asked if she could pray for me, held my hand and put her fingers gently over the inside of my wrist...as if to take my pulse...and then she said these words...."as long as your heart is beating, as this blood pulsates through your body, God's gift to you of your creativity will continue to flow and give life through every nerve and fiber of your being , from within you out into the hearts of those who are hurting. You can trust the source and that the gift is neverending."

Remembering her words are a comfort to me today as I move into new places. They are a reminder all these years later of where I have been...of where I can travel again if I choose. My heart is still beating and the blood is still moving. So today I encourage you to stop for a moment and remember the road you have traveled. Gather the strength born out of the insight received from what was and let it give you courage and hope for the unknown road called " what will be". The truth is all of these moments and experiences and choices and paths are intricately connected and linked together by One who has all our days in His hands. Don't be afraid to lie still and be hidden for awhile while the new path emerges. Just remember you'll will find your gift,your creativity, your passion...safely tucked away in your heart and beating through every fiber of your being...nourishing every aspect of your soul. Like the butterfly...the time will come...when resurrected together in its new form...fresh strength and vision will be pushed through your wings and the flight will feel almost effortless.

Upcoming Seminar......

I am honored to have been asked to present a seminar for therapeutic professionals this month to share creative processes and tools for clients who struggle with the dissociative effects of severe trauma and abuse. If you or someone you know is a therapist, counselor, or works in the mental health profession, and would be interested in attending, you may find all the information here on my website. This opportunity is at the heart of my deepest passion and I am so looking forward to speaking and sharing art that promotes the uncovering of painful secrets and soul healing!

Still Standing.....

Just a song to share with you today that has been speaking to my heart. Usually its a simple message, even one line in a piece that will pull at your soul and have something for you. I have been taking time to slow down, listen and make room in the coming days for the next steps in my own journey. Some steps are difficult and shadowed in the unknown. They require solitude and quiet inner conversations with God to ready the mind and body and prepare the way. Maybe thats where I am.....still standing....waiting....resting from the doing....preparing for what comes next.....

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before you begin the video........



"Shadowfeet"

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing, less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
and I have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Theres distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way

You make all things new

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Spirit Jumpers!

It is so inspiring to me when artistic souls with a desire to reach out to others dream up creative ways to bring encouragement to those who are going through difficult life circumstances. I recently became part of a new project called "Spirit Jumpers". Meagan and Stacey have developed a place for anyone who would like to be availiable to send small gifts or tokens of hope to those who are battling cancer of many forms. I have had several family and friends who have gone down this emotionally and physically difficult path and thought this was a place I would love to offer the outflow of some of my time in the studio. If you know someone who could use a "spirit jump", you are invited to contact Stacey and Meagan and submit their name which will be linked up with one of the participating "Spirit Jumpers" who will then send along something to uplift and encourage them in their journey. If you would like to contribute as a Spirit Jumper, donate items or small gifts you can also visit the website for information on how to join in. We each have so much to offer. It can be the smallest gesture for a hurting soul that can give them the strength and courage to take the next smallest step or to hold up their faith and hope for another new day.

One World One Heart Giveaway!

I so enjoyed participating last year in this world wide blog event started by Lisa "Oceandreamer" Swifta! If you are new to 'One World One Heart" you can find all the details here. Its an opportunity to be introduced to a wide array of wonderful sites and enter some beautiful giveaways as well! I finished an altered journal today called "Soul Peace" that is my offering for this event. This 6x8 journal is accented with jewels, silk flowers, embellishments and lovely ribbons. If you would like to be entered in the drawing please include your name and contact info in the comment section and I will be happy to throw your name in the basket! This event ends on February 12th and at that time I will draw a name and the winner will be notified!



I also invite any of you who are new to my blog to visit my website where I hope your soul will be invited to take a moment to breathe and listen to whats stirring in your own heart. I will be listing new work on my website beginning next week and hope you'll stop by!

Giveaway Winner!

Sweet congrats to Lisa Plummer whose name I drew to receive the art blessing giveaway for this month! Check out Lisa's beautiful blog for lots of wonderful inspiration! Thank you so very much to everyone who participated and for taking the time to leave such encouraging and heartfelt comments. I am sure it won't be long before another giveaway appears!

Weaving threads.....

Had a relaxing time at the "Inspiring the Soul" conference here in Vancouver this weekend. Enjoyed meeting up with old friends and new, connecting over similar passions to share our art to encourage and offer hope to woman.



I am sensing a changing of seasons approaching again when I might need to hold loosely to my plans and be open to changes in focus, if only for a time. I find I keep thinking I need to get "back to" the days when I was pumping out artwork right and left, listing frequently etc. But that is not the door that keeps beckoning. It just seems there are shifts all over in my life that are calling me to slow down, intentionally invest in family and significant relationships, prioritize and consider new opportunities, even those that might be outside of my cherished art world! One aspect of my creativity that has been whispering my name again is in the form of writing. I am quietly moving in that direction although I am not sure where it will take me...but not going no longer feels an option. I am also opening up to the idea of working outside my studio for a couple days a week for someone else. The challenge for me has always been not to completely cease and give up one activity to begin another but to keep a gentle balance of both in my world at the same time. Like the weaving of a tapestry, aspects of my creativity need to be woven in alongside other new threads that might get introduced. It is part of who I am and what helps me breathe. Balance and giving voice to all aspects of who I am is a lifelong endeavor.

So even though I will continue to create and offer work for sale, I am more than ever wanting to create and give. I guess I'd rather see something I have finished be in the hands of someone I know it would encourage then in my inventory. Thats how this all began...through giving away creative hope to those who were struggling. I just want more of that in my life again. There is, however, a constant tension between the reality of needing to earn a living through my creative gifts and the desire to give away and bless with the creative gifts. So I must keep weaving with both threads while leaving room for new ones to be introduced...and release the need to know ahead of time what the final tapestry of my life will look like. Holding too tightly to anything, if it needs to be released and transformed, is not healthy in the long run. I guess that is what trust is for.

So today don't fear if you must make adjustments. They might be temporary. They might even bring you blessings and open doors you hadn't even considered. Trust releasing the plan you might have been clutching too tightly. I encourage you though, amidst the letting go, to keep weaving the threads of your passions and dreams amidst the other threads that may unexpectantly enter your life. Even if their creative colors arn't as domininant for a season, your life's tapestry won't be complete in it's richness and depth without them.


"Set free the soul...Release your inner voice....Surrender to the journey...Embrace your story"

New Altered Art BLock which can be found in my Etsy store.

Be sure to peek back in late tonight and I will announce the winner of the art blessing giveaway!

New Year's Art Blessing Giveaway: Destash!

Mixed Media Treasures Giveaway!
I have been going through my studio trying to make room for new ideas and directions this year and thought I would share a box of goodies for the collage artist! Giving just seems like a truly "ripple effect" thing to do. So many are struggling with just making ends meet these days. I wonder just what resources are really available between us all. And if those resources were released from hearts and hands willing to let them go and received by those whose needs were waiting to be met....the inequity and imbalance that seems to exist in our own communities might shift. I know this art offering won't save the world today but I offer it in the spirit of hope. What we each can give away are like seeds in another's life that might grow and multiply in ways we cannot even anticipate! Sometimes it is just so simple. There is so much we already have that is waiting to be released to another! So if you would like to be entered in the drawing just leave your name and info in the comment section below! I will draw a name to receive all of these items on Monday, January 12th!

If you would like to mention this giveaway on your blog and provide a link back to this post, let me know and I will add your name twice to the drawing! It would be fun to see this giveaway start a little ripple in the creative community.....what can you assemble from what you already have and give away? I'd love to hear your inspiring ideas!

Undeniable You......

After delays and rescheduling due to our winter storm, I had such a wonderful weekend finally singing for the "Songs of Christmas" program at Abundant Life in Portland over the weekend. I had the pleasure of meeting and performing with an amazing young man named David Klinkenberg. His gift on the violin was a blessing to hear and experience. The video below is an interview with David awhile back about his musical journey. His words were an inspiration to dream and risk in ways we might not have dared...to trust outside ourselves for ways in which God might be wanting to guide our gifts. It was also a priviledge to hear Jon Davidson, Corey Bretsch and Kita Montgomery. You can hear more of the program on the Abundant Life website.

Before viewing the video be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar!



I wish you all a Happy New Year!! May this be a year you deeply discover and express your undeniable and unique dreams, gifts and visions! Its never to late to begin. New steps can be taken this moment even if we are afraid. I pray whatever has stopped or hindered you in the past will dissapear right before you! May you open your heart to the bigger picture, the path not yet taken...and welcome the surprises!



"Radiate your unique capacity to be the one and only, bold and undeniable you"

Creativity and Faith.....

We had the most gorgeous snowfall on Christmas day. The snowflakes were the biggest I'd seen! I am a bit sad to see it all the snow start to melt from our "Artic Blast". I can feel a stirring beginning to build...getting ready to prepare the heart and mind for the New year as what was melts away and the new day begins. Thankfully, as the years have gone by, I have learned to be much more realistic and loosened up on the expectations I have placed on myself. Its a more hopeful and relaxing way to enter the dawning of the New Year when we can hold our plans loosely and leave room for the surprises.

I received a wonderful trio of books for the artist over the holiday. The combination of the inspirational encouragement and scripture, particulary for artists who are Christians, really has challenged my perception of myself as one who needs and must create...who feels "called" to express myself artistically and musically."The Creative Call- An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit" by Janice Elsheimer, is a powerful journey that can open the doors of our creativity in ways we might not have experienced while merging our life as an artist with our intimate walk with God. It is truly an invitation to explore all that we might really have to offer while we invite God into the process of releasing our "creative calling". I love the refreshing honesty the author expresses about the reality that the church hasn't always been so receptive to the arts and the powerful messages artists can convey. This book is an invitation to unleash what gifts might even be hidden in our souls.It would be a great book to go through with a group of friends who express their gifts in a variety of ways (art, writing, music, painting, gardening, decorating, etc)!

"Walking on Water- Reflections of Life and Art" by Madeleine L'Engle and "Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts" by Steve Turner are filled with deep insight and courageous thoughts on boldly expressing our creativity, penetrating the resistance that can be felt in the church and inviting them to receive the new and fresh thing God might be doing in their midst. So if you are looking for encouragement to stretch and move your creative faith outside the box, these books are stimulating!

Merry Christmas!

My deepest gratitude for all of the words of encourage- ment, hearts that have been shared, stories of faith, courageous steps towards healing and growth and creative insight and inspiration that so many of you have blessed me with through this blog or contacting me personally. May this celebration of the birth of Christ remind us all of God's gift of love, hope and gentle mercy. Creative Blessings from my family to yours!

Snowbound!

We are offically having a serious winter storm here in Washington! I dont'think I have seen so much snow in our area as long as I can remember. When you add ice on top of it, getting around has become pretty dangerous. We are all...for better or worse...snowbound! After the initial Hallmark moments have been experienced (baking Christmas cookies, endless cups of hot chocolate, snuggling by the fire with hot cider etc)...it seems a restlessness can begin to settle in as we remain at the mercy of the weather and the unpredictability of it all.

My heart just goes out to all those who are stuck at our airport and train station and can't leave the city to be with their friends and families for Christmas. The news is on 24/7 with images of those whose plans have been thwarted. So it seems a mixture of emotions as another day comes and more snow arrives. Such beauty to be found in the glistening white blanket that covers us all. Yet it seems with the joy and beauty comes a measure of struggle and heartache. Maybe its just a little like the reality of life. I find it is during these times, when we temporarily lose our perceived ability to control our comings and goings, we are given opportunities to release our agenda and receive something deeper. If we can scale over the frustration and helplessness that can often accompany the loss of control and faithfully rest in the resignation, there might be a lesson for us to hear, see or learn. Maybe its a conversation with the stranger you are stranded with. Maybe it will be found in moments spent in being fully present your kids. Maybe even while you help your neighbor shovel out of their driveway. Maybe if you are alone...it will be found in reaching for God in a new way. So I am trying to continue to listen as my own plans are getting canceled right and left and trust that buried in all this white is a measure of hope. Because soon this oppportunity will all melt away. The pace of life will pick back up, normalcy as we know it will appear to return, and it can be a challenge to hear and be receptive to the whispers again. So take a moment to remember what your eyes and ears may be taking in for the first time...and tuck it away in your heart's memory. These are the memories that will serve us the next time the snow falls.

Falling Snow...Reflections

Its beautiful isn't it? We have been off and on with our NW version of an "artic blast" this whole week (I know...those of you in the East must think it a bit comical that we about shut our city down at the first sign of an inch of snow lol). Just before the school buses were scheduled to arrive this morning...it began again...the magical, gentle, whispering, silent fall of snow. My son squealed. I remember that pure joy as a child. It reminded me once again how easy it is for our adult worries, responsiblitlies, and general weight of the world to cloud our ability to fully receive the magic of a snowfall. Children get it...and they take it in fully...right in that present moment. They run out of the house with no concern for warm clothing so they can look up into the sky, open their arms wide, and feel the soft tickle of snowflakes kissing their faces. I could sense my own longing to recapture that place I know must still be nestled in my heart...beneath some of my own personal concerns. It seems an unmistakable invitation from God to....

get quiet and really listen
to let go like a child for the moment
give what weighs heavy on our minds a rest
take in what is happening right before our eyes
truly and deeply feel
slow everything down, wait and watch
listen to your own heart beat
receive the amazing gift of another breath
let the giggle rise up from that sacred childlike space
open your bare arms wide
and embrace the quiet magic of the snow fall....


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Christmas Program at Abundant Life Church:





I am honored to have been asked to perform a special song for the beautiful Christmas program, "Songs of Christmas" being offered to the community at Abundant Life Church in Portland, Oregon. There will be eight services beginning this Saturday, Dec 20th thru Christmas Eve. If you are looking for a special program to celebrate the gift of Christmas, bring friends and family and share this meaningful time together. You can find all the information regarding program times here! Years ago, when Abundant Life was a small church meeting in an elementary school, I was blessed to meet Pastor George Powell, his wife Ann and their Creative Arts Director Dennis Quick. I was part of another small church plant at the time and periodically sang special music for their services. So its a sweet experience all these years later, after much growth and blessing has occured at Abundant Life and much healing and change has happened in my own life...to peek back in on them and reconnect!

Art Play Date and Giveaway Winner!

The ever so talented and generous Michelle Allen hosted our monthly art journaling group out at her inspiring studio this past week. She thought it would be fun to just get together and create something special for the holidays and have an art play day! She has one of the most incredible collections of unique snowmen I have ever seen! She had all the supplies prepared in advance and an incredible array of treasures for us to paint, collage, embellish our own unique snowman creations(or snowgirl in my case). She had been inspired by the "house" pieces we had created at a workshop by the wonderful Lisa Kaus and Michelle thought it would be fun to try snowmen in that format.




Our creative posse included Paulette, Teri, Jaron, Michelles sweet mother in law and this month Michelle's Mom, Karla Dornacher (pictured with Michelle above)was able to join us and is such a delight! While we waited for our pieces to dry we were invited into Michelle's lovely home and her hubby had graciously prepared a delicious lunch of the Allen Famous Tortilla Soup and fresh frozen yogart swirled in dessert glasses! We shared a little more about ourselves with each other and it was a treat to have the opportunity to hear more about the road Michelle and her encouraging family have traveled in supporting Michelle as her art business grew and developed at Allen Designs Studio.



I was a little frazzled when I arrived that morning and wasn't sure if I could gather my thoughts and find my creative mojo. But being with like minded artistic spirits inspired the process and in the end, "my snowgirl" came to life and I had fun glamming her up a bit! I just can't stay away from the baubles and sparkles! And that is our freshly falling snow she is pictured in! Its a blustery, nestle by the fire, kind of day today here in Washington! Thanks again Michelle for your generous creative spirit and spoiling your friends!


Heartfelt thanks for such a terrific response to the giveaway this month! Your comments are always such an encouragement!...So here we go...The moment you've been waiting for...drumroll please...the winner of the Holiday Art Blessing Giveaway is....Michelle at My Journey to Hope. As well as being an artist Michelle is a vocalist with the band Finding Candence! Congrats Michelle and thanks to everyone for your sweet participation!