Art Blessing Giveaway- " Breathe Gratitude"

I thought it was time to create something and share it for my monthy art blesssing giveaway! I have been reflecting on what it means to breathe in gratitude and let in fill the heart. Its so easy to not be fully present in the moments that each day brings...to let the worries, fears, insecurities or hurts of life to fully inhabit our inhaling and exhaling. I hope this little, original journal will be a secret place to record the moments in each day that offer an opportunity to be grateful. The smallest of acts of kindness, a caring touch, the sound of childrens laughter, talking a walk, savoring a quiet meal or listening to the silence in the middle of the night. There is an endless array of moments to record and experience...to be present for...and breath in and exhale...to express gratitude for....

If you would like to be entered in my giveaway for this handmade "Gratitude Journal" just leave a comment with your email address and on Monday evening, Sept 15th, I will draw a name for this art blessing! I would also love to hear what moments you have found to be grateful for this past week (not required to be entered in the drawing though!). Below is another larger journal I was asked to make for a dear woman healing from breast cancer. I hope each piece will encourage and inspire!

Sweet thank yous to Shelley and Nelda for blessing me with an "I love your blog" award. I have never been able to choose from all the amazing blogs out there to send it on to so I invite you to roam through all the links you find on my blog for creative inspiration and discovery! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Shared Hope.....

Its been a busy last week or two since returning from California. Getting the kids settled at school and my oldest son ready to start his college classes...preparing my family, my home and my heart for the fall and the gentle shifting of seasons. I can feel God's spirit moving me in ways I have prayed for but in all honesty take me out of what is comfortable and into places me where I can't quite see the plan...but feel it stirring and moving all around me. It can be a bit unnerving if you are someone who wants to see whats below before you jump...and you are being asked to take the leap and trust for all that you will find on the way down and even when you land. But there are times when you are standing at the place of having your vision enlarged and know in your heart the time has long past to watch and wonder what is beyond the leap...that standing is no longer an option. Its a place where you can feel the height of tension between what was and what might be. It seems that even when we resist, question or doubt, God will mercifully usher in a host of signs, visions, kindred spirits and divine appointments. We know what we must do. We must move to the edge and let our feet leave the ground.

I received my beautiful, signed copy of Kelly Rae Roberts new book, "Taking Flight" this past week. I have collected many artistic and creatively inspiring books in the past but this one has moved me in a way that feels deeply personal. Kelly has a gift for expressing her vulnerablity and generously shares her own journey to break free from the fears and internal voices that would have attempted to keep her static and her creative gifts bound up. Each time I have ever corresponded with Kelly her passion for claiming our creative identity is contagious. She is a very special and gifted soul. The print "Harmony" she included with the book carried with it a comfirming message for me. Harmony is possible when I no longer resist where God seems to be taking me and I listen and take the risk to step into the places He is calling. It means hard choices and letting go of what isn't best for me, and making room for the passions He has nurtured all along with in my heart. Sometimes I think we know all along some of the decisions and choices we need to make in order for our path to be opened up and the next steps clarified...it just takes time to be ready and willing to make them. Its scary yet exhilerating all in the same breath!

This week I was given a wonderful opportunity to have a resource table at an event sponsored by Shared Hope International. Congresswoman and founder, Linda Smith, has a bold passion for the "prevention, rescue and restoration of countless numbers of woman and children being sold and unspeakably abused in the sex trafficking industry in the United states and around the world. It is a heartbreaking and difficult topic for many to hear about but our silence won't help those that are in this form of modern day slavery. I have posted a video below that gives a brief glimpse into this tragedy. I was overwhelmed with compassion and hope for what I might be able to do in some small way to help. This event was a fundraiser for six other non-profit agencies and ministries that are reaching out into our communities to restore lives that have been broken by abuse of many forms. Several hundred attended this beautiful luncheon , watched powerful and moving video presentations from Portland Rescue Mission's Shepards Door, New Life Mission Impossible, Open House, Shared Hope, Vida's Ark and Young Lives Teen Moms and enjoyed inspirational music and speakers. I was especially moved my an organization called "The Defenders"...men who have taken a pledge to stand against the commercialization of sex and the degradation of women and children that fuels the pornagraphy industry. I shared my artwork as well as information on my upcoming therapuetic collage workshop for survivors at the resource area. My dear friends Florence McDavid from "Journey's Rest" and Traci Nelson of "Still Waters" also shared a beautiful table offering their home and cottage retreat ministires for those who need rest from the weariness of difficult life experiences.


















Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the right side bar before viewing the video.










I thought I'd share a couple pages I created in my art journal this week. It occurs to me, seeing these pages juxtaposed against the tragedy represented in the video...that there is hope. That amidst the darkness in this world and the horrible acts that are committed against the human soul...we can create beauty from the ashes and offer hope and healing. We can take the leap, have the faith our wings will open, and be carried to the places God needs each of us. Because He so desperately needs our gifts and passions to help Him bring healing, restoration, hope and compassion to our communities and to our world. Our story is an integral part of a much larger story. In the process of reaching out, our wings expand and we are blessed. Thanks for peeking in on my small place in it all.

Zne Convenzione 2008.......

I have some wonderful pictures to share of my memorable trip to Pleasanton, California for the four day ZNE Convenzione 2008! I had to take a couple days to unwind from a whirlwind of artistic activities! It was truly a blessing to meet in person many artists I have been speaking with by phone or on-line these last five years. I missed my original flight and ended up in San Fransisco rather than Oakland. So after an $80.00 cab ride (eek!) to the Oakland airport, I met up with Dawn Devries Sokol for a winding and steep drive up to our gorgeous accomodations high atop the hills in Pleasanton. I was so excited to hug long time friends JoAnna Perotti and Kris Hubick. It was such fun having a nightly artist slumber party with the group of eight of us that stayed up at this amazing house!




I truly enjoyed getting to know Dawn. She brought many of the original journal pages from her newly published book "1000 Artist Journal Pages" and shared them at the Vendor Faire. Her art journaling work was a true inspiration! We all sat up late nights at the house looking through her own original art journals as she inspired and encouraged us all to risk the blank page!

Sharing a meal before the opening night show with JoAnna, Kris, Patty, Lisa, Kathryn and Dawn! There is never a lack for conversation with a gathering of creative souls!








Pleasanton was the most charming town filled with wonderful places to eat and shop. It was standing room only at the "American Harvest", on Main Street, owned by Sharon and Rodger Mattern. What an incredible shop filled with the most unique mixed media and vintage treasures. I was blessed by meeting Sharon and excited she would like to carry my work soon in her shop!


Thanks Chelise Hery Stroud (ZNE Founder and event Coordinator) for my beautiful bouquet of roses!







I was honored to sing for the opening night, hear the heartfelt music of Jon Troast and see the incredibly moving and deeply thought provoking documentary "1000 Journals Project". After the screening, the film's producer and director, Andrea Kruezhage, spoke passionately about the project and was truly an inspiration to hear and be in the presence of.

The home we stayed in was absolutely stunning. I have never seen such a breathtaking view. The sunrise in the morning was spectacular. There was a morning haze of clouds that blanketed the valleys. We were so high up that we were above the clouds surrounded by brilliant blue sky and watched as the clouds dispursed to reveal the hills below. Our beds were fit for a queen and we got lost in the fluffy down comforters.















I had the most relaxng and wonderful day creating with all these amazing women (Dori, Kathryn Virello, Kris Hubick, Bonnie Rathjen, Danielle Muller and sweet Patti V. Crump). We took JoAnna's class on creating nests within canvas shadowboxes. The class took place inside the fabulous house we were staying in for the event !It never ceases to amaze me all the many styles and inspired ideas that emerge from each artist and the unique direction they take their projects!


















I was so inpsired by all the cool techniques JoAnna shared with us. After a full day of creating, and lots of M&M eating...this was my finished project!


















The Blue Agave Club was host to an evening banquet in a lovely outdoor setting. It was s joy to meet Lisa Kaus for the first time and hang with my roomies, Tina, Kris and JoAnna! I was so blessed that evening to sit and talk with such a sweet kindred spirit as Susan Tuttle.















The Vendor Faire about put me in creative overload! It was pretty hard not to spend all your profits when you are surrounded by some of the most incredible mixed media artists and their original work! I so enjoyed meeting and talking with all who stopped by! What a treat to get to hug in person my sweet artist friend Zorana.






















I was thrilled to come home with one of JoAnna Perotti's amazing art dolls. This one just spoke to my heart. JoAnna attaches such sentimental trinkets and vintage accents to her dolls and each one has unique and special meaning! She is such a dear woman and friend! Also came home with an adorable collage from Cindy Deluz . She was such as sweetheart and joy to meet! We all agreed the entire event was incredible and everyone hopes to see each other again in April for the ZNE Convenzione 2009!

Honor the Pain, Set Free the Soul....

Some pieces I lose myself in while creating... and this was one of them. I love the depth in assemblage and shadowbox work. There is a silent story that echoes behind the images, textures and found objects that lay nestled inside...beyond the words that are seen...in and through the doorway...a personal story only the viewer can interpret. I find it only takes a simple phrase to stir memories and images to life...to begin the weaving of a personal narrative that connects to my own history...my unique experiences. What story echoes back to you through the doorway of your soul.....

You may find more out about this original shodowbox on my website!

Does Anybody Hear Her.....

Before viewing disable music playing on blog (lower right sidebar)...


Just something to let our hearts consider....with eyes open to really see....ears listening and really hearing....to not turn away or judge....they might just need hope....direction....a kind word....an open door....an invitation out of the darkness....

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

He is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

New work to share.....

Two new pieces to share today. One is a sweet little altered art doll mini journal and the other an assemblage piece on canvas board. Both of these can be found here. I am on the countdown to get ready to share my work at the Vendor faire at the ZNE Convention in Pleasanton, California next week. So many details to take care of but I look forward to meeting many the artists who will be in town for the event! Thanks for stopping by and for all the well wishes and encouragement for my new website journey!

Soul Searching and Website Journey.....

There are times when we sense a change on the horizon and that it is time to walk through a new door and risk revealing more of who we are and what we are passionate about. A little over a year ago, when I began my blog, I had also had my website designed but had not "moved in" there yet. I have always had a vision for what I hoped it might be. I am happy to share the news that I have officially moved in and am making a home there to welcome those who might need encouragement and hope. I have always had a heart for those that have gone through difficult life experiences and I hope my website will be an extension of that vision. So I invite you to come stroll the doors and take a peek at healingexpressionsbylani.com

This original, journal art ensemble, "Soul Searching" can be found for sale on my website. I hope to be offering new work each week on the website and adding new "Soul Reflections" and "Poetic Expressions" as they are inspired. I am sure it will be a gentle process and evolve over time but I hope you'll join me on the journey and share the site with a friend or loved one who may find its pages nurturing and healing.

Moment of Rest....

Encouraging a moment of rest right where you are. Before the day gets too busy and you can't hear yourself think. Maybe just listen to the music, sip a cup of tea, pray, express gratitude or release a burden and shed a tear....close your eyes and breathe in that air that might surround you in these scenes. What private thoughts might they stir in your soul if you began to journal? What does it sound like...how does it feel...what would you do if you were there? What does it make you long for or want to celebrate? Just a simple invitation to take a moment and listen for the answers.....

Poetic Reflections.......

..Stained Glass...

Shattered, distorted, painfully sharp
innocent colors scattered
around my still and grieving heart
pieces of a glass puzzle
lay in confusing disarray
whispering of shame...brokenness...dark hurt

I numbly stare in disbelief...
then anger...then deep sadness
beauty so carelessly scarred
each shining remnant reflects
a faint image once known to this child
niave perfection...pure design...a Master's touch

As the last of the sharpest fragments
fall near enough to cut
I must pause to honor
the small, welling voice within
release the anguish of her soul
the silence pierced...a screaming question...."Why?"

A new design awaits it's birth
fresh tears need time to fall
upon the jagged crystal
perhaps to cleanse, refine...restore
beauty is to be found here
amidst what appears destroyed..useless...beyond repair

Where does one begin in the gathering
of a stained and shattered soul
one so weary and little and sad
Help me, Master of the fragile brillance surrounding me
In your strength can we
lift each broken piece to the light...and mend...and heal

Copyright 2000
Lani Kent

Congrats Giveaway Winners!

Blessings to Marilyn Butler and Viola!!!! Each of you are my art blessing giveaway winners! Please take a moment to stop by each of their lovely blogs. Viola makes her home in Germany and her blog is a splash of gorgeous color and creativity! Marilyn's inspiring blog is delightful to stroll through! Thank you so much to each of you who participated and left such encouraging words! Be sure to check back as I love to have an "Art Blessing" at least once a month!

Lock and Key....

This new original art card can be found on Etsy today!

Be sure to sign up for my Art Blessings Giveaway! I will be drawing two names tonight to receive the free treasures shown in the post below! Hope you'll join in the fun!

Art Blessing Giveaways!

Its that time again and I thought I'd offer two "Art Blessing" giveaway sets! The first art blessing is a set of five greeting cards and the second is a set of five artist trading card magnets. Each are designed with prints of my original collage work that I hope will uplift your heart! If you would like to be included in the drawing for one of these sets just leave your name and email address in the comment section of this post and I will draw the names of two souls to bless on Wednesday, July 30! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Beautiful Bird....

Thought this was such a beautiful and meaningful song and video I came across today. Imagery and music entwined together are so intimate and moving. This one transported me today. Remember to turn the Playlist music from my blog off on the right lower sidebar before viewing!

God's Reality.....

We all have moments where a tiny voice breaks through the veneer and dares to ask the most vulnerable questions of God...if we are really honest with ourselves and our imperfect hearts...we wonder if God is real. Even the most perfect looking woman next to you at church or the one who seems to always have the "right christian thing" to say in response to your situation...even she will hear the question echo in her soul. We are only human. The hurts and dissapointments of this life can leave us on unsteady ground and hungering for what is real and solid...for a truth that won't change on us. Its so easy to forget the times He has shown His reality to us. As soon as heart wounds, struggles or loss appear on the horizon...the little voice whispers again...and wonders...and wrestles...and has to decide again to believe...God was real then and now.

You can scroll down and disable the music playing on my "Playlist" on the right side of my blog before you watch this. May this song and images speak to your heart today!

Lost Her Way....

It can happen to anyone...even the strongest of souls. We all have seasons where the questions are many, the answers are few and the way is uncertian. It can be disorienting when the road takes us to places we have never traveled...when our familiar ways of navigating our life fail us...and we feel profoundly and deeply lost. But to be lost holds the possibility of being found again. The state of being lost is an opportunity to walk towards a new place...make a new choice...risk shedding our old paradigm for one that might offer more freedom. Sometimes we need to toss out the old map, makes friends with our new surroundings and risk receiving a new set of directions. It means letting go of the old ways. Even in the darkest hours of being lost...there is a God who is always ready to find us...even when we don't want to be found.

New Art Card can be found here!

Be Yourself....

I worked on this piece most of the day yesterday. It was one of those creations I got a little lost in while working...slowed down...enjoyed the process of fussing on the details. Working as an artist can be such a tug of war between getting work made consistantly to sell and slowing down enough in the meantime to experience what happens inside as we create...to hear our thoughts and inner musings...to be changed and renewed by the artistic journey and to share our discoveries freely with others. Getting lost in a work reminds me why I love to play in the world of my imagination. I wonder if many of us would rather let an endless flow of art pour from our souls into the world and never worry about the business/promotion/selling side. It seems so much to get caught up in and lost in. The creative giver in me seems in a constant state of tension over the issue. But alas...that little money tree still hasn't sprouted in our backyard and practical matters must be attended too. So the big girl in me tries to do the responsible thing...while the little girl in me longs to just be herself...and move slowly and deeply in the place where God speaks to her in color, image and word. It is there she gets to wrap her treasures in pretty ribbons and tissue and drop them secretly on the doorsteps of those whose hearts need a little hope. In the purest part of her artist heart...that is all that has ever really mattered!

This new Art Doll Block Asssembage can be found here on my website! It features another sweet paper doll dress design from Moss Hill Studios!

Faith and Hope....

A simple yet gentle reminder about the heart benefits of faith. In my own life there seems a direct connection between the two...Faith and Hope. When one eludes me or is clouded in darkness it seems the other is near to the shadows as well...as if holding hands...side by side. The challenge on some days is to get one of them strong enough to walk out into the light...so her friend will follow. Hope and Faith are kindred souls...inseparable friends. One nurtures and encourages the other. The longer the light is shared between the two of them...the stronger the heart becomes...and the shadows become a distant home.

This new art card can be found here on ebay and has been created with another image from the new Collage sheets by JoAnna Periotti at Moss Hill Studios. I love the innocent face on this little girl. She exudes the childlike faith I long to have...and the hope that anything is possible for her.