*Reflections: Like A Cloudy Day...Dancing In The Rain!

The past few days, since last Friday have been like a cloudy day...with a blue sky peeking through the background...right now it is cloudy outside and since that captured how these past few days have been for me I decided to go with that for the title of this post.  So lately, it's been challenging...Life in general...some days are soo beautiful like the blue sky days and others have been way to challenging.
 

For those of you who happen to just find my blog...I am fostering to adopt a little girl who happens to also be my relative (third cousin) and I have discovered just this year not too long ago of how that in itself will be an ongoing challenge.  I have decided to start a new blog for that and so I will post a link for it when I get it all set up.  Especially since I'd like this blog to be focused more on my artwork and creative processes and a little personal reflecting here and there. :)

So why else would I say "like a cloudy day"?  Well, I feel like I've been learning a lot and lessons are hard to learn...sometimes they make you feel depressed (gloomy grey clouds), heartbroken (rain of tears), and then also so happy when I've experienced breakthroughs (like sunshine bursting through the clouds) and even though I experience all these emotions I know my Lord is with me always, guiding me through and that brings me peace (like the blue skies).

But sometimes I get so overwhelmed especially when all those lessons come all at once and the only way for me to push forward is when I 'blog' about it...don't know why...but it does!  I do art journal but it's a different type of therapy for me...as I am a strong believer in the healing that art therapy can provide as a way to 'express' yourself.  But since I am also a writer...I guess sometimes I need to just get my thoughts out there...blogging helps me to do this but in a more focused and optimistic manner.

When I journal for myself I tend to focus more on the negative and when I read through that it leaves an ugly feeling in my stomach...but whenever I blog I tend to focus on the positive and then when I reread these posts they actually make me feel better since I can see where I've struggled but feel good knowing how I've overcome those times.

Without all the details since it is way to personal...I experienced the most vast array of emotions all in one night...Saturday...I had a night mainly full of fun and laughter and reconnected with so many people that I treasure the most...but also along with that I experienced heartache and betrayal...which led to an unhappy ending of what was a wonderful evening...if that is at all possible...of course, I would be the one to have that happen...as I know that the Lord knows I can handle it!

The next day was a day of mixed emotions and revelations...I accepted some of the ugly as I can not do anything about some of it and the most important of all I dealt with and was satisfied with the outcome of it.  Love in itself is powerful and I learned that night that sometimes we have to accept some things and show that the Love in our heart is strong and can prevail.

I am moving on...I am looking forward...I am not going to let myself stay fallen on the ground...I have stood back on my feet and I will keep dancing in the rain!!

My Word for 2014: *IMAGINE*

Chunky Art Journal Sample for my upcoming workshop this month

Last year I chose a word to be my inspiration for the year...I chose "Soar" but this year my word for the year is "IMAGINE".  I chose that word because I realized last year of how much I limit myself and my God...he keeps sending me messages of how much more he has planned for me...how little I think...how I contain my goals and dreams in little boxes and then I realized wow...who am I to limit God?

So I know I can only IMAGINE just how big God can create miracles and destinations for me to experience...so this year I want to leave my mind open for that...to look at the world with the mindfulness of a child again (which is part of the reason I believe he sent Cailan to me)...to simply IMAGINE and keep moving forward in this journey called life!!

So I look forward to this year of 2014 as I do for each years' beginning...but this year is so different because it is a year that I believe that I have began it after much change to my life!  The year 2013 was a year of what I believe was the most 'life altering' year for me...it was a year of growth in so many areas of my life:  Spiritually, Mentally, Artistically and Physically...

Spiritually I learned that no matter what...and I mean no matter what!!  He is always there for us and so are our loved ones...I've always believed that but last years experiences proved that to me.  My spiritual view was extended to an amazing level and this is where I began to realize that in my own lack of faith in myself is where I was limiting God and that who was I to limit him?  He has gifted me in so many ways and I hardly have even tapped into those gifts and have been for many years due to fear of failing...I learned that it's ok to fall, it's ok to take a chance because my God never leaves my side...he is always there and so he will always be...so I can let go of my fears and move forward to the destinations HE wants me to go!

For so many years I would pray for the Lord to lead and guide me to the destination or dreams/goals that I wanted to attain...so this year I am praying to lead and guide me to where HE wants to take me...I feel mentally/emotionally and physically ready for that!  Last year I learned that I am able to accomplish much more than I ever thought possible!  For many years I struggled through feeling like a failure at the end of each year because I would feel like I didn't accomplish anything only because I wasn't accomplishing what I thought I needed to accomplish to feel successful...this is the first time that I felt that I ended the year with pride in my accomplishments which are:

*Being called MOMMY by a beautiful little girl who tells me that she loves me and thanks me for rescuing her (even though she is the one who rescued me!)

*Being able to feel that my Marriage/Love actually grew stronger bonds...that God as our third cord tightened and strengthened our bonds in an almost magical way that I never even knew could be!

*That mentally and physically I am stronger than I thought I was...that when I was squeezed (and boy was I squeezed last year) that I can actually accomplish what I set out to do!!

*Artistically...so many dimensions of growth here:
-I was honored to have my artwork accepted at the Charity Wings Art Center
-I learned a lot in Lifebook 2013, what I mainly learned with those lessons is how important it is for me to stay original and true to my own art style.
-I realized that I need to have direction and a mission statement to keep me focused on why the Lord has blessed me with my artistic gifts whether it be drawing/painting or writings and singing.

So this year of 2014 I look forward to IMAGINE to go where the Lord will lead me in every aspect of my life...I'm so excited and can't wait to see what this year will bring to my life!!

Dreams Are Worth The Wait!

Hello to anyone who happens to stop by and read this...also this is just my spot to document my artful life's journey...well I can't believe just how much time has went by and how much my life has changed since then.  Sooo soon after my last post, I kind of lost my creative energy...my mind just couldn't go there...I had soo much on my mind and there were a lot of unexpected personal challenges I went through as well...as much as I hated what happened, it helped me to realize who my real 'peeps' are...they really helped me get through a very emotional time...most of all it reminded me just how much the Lord is always there for me and he really held me close and kept love from fleeing from my heart...and so I still go on and I can still love!

Of course life isn't perfect but it has improved greatly and the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is definately one that I can testify to!  I'm also very happy with our little girl...she may not be my baby from my womb but she is from my heart!!  She is doing so well, some days can be challenging but I realized that those are the times that she is hurting the most emotionally and I have been able to help her get through those 'fits of rage' just by being there for her and letting her feel secure in my arms.  This has been very healing for her and bonding for us.  We are now in the mid point of adopting her but I know that there are other "issues" that we'll have to deal with...but for now we are just celebrating all the improvements and good days!

As for my personal/spiritual growth...yesterday I experienced something that accellerated that growth and the only word I can come up with to express this experience is that it left me "flabbergasted"...not even sure what that word means but for some reason is the only word I can come up with...lol!  It was a very unexpected experience and basically I was given a very special message from a very special person...it was very healing for me and I felt that a weight was lifted from my heart...a very heavy burden that I was carrying for years...for me this experience was provided for me to finally move forward.  I had been praying for weeks for the Lord to lead and guide me and help me from my moments when I feel like I am soo stuck!

When I feel stuck...it's like I feel like even giving up on my dreams...I feel sometimes like why should I bother...like my joy is taken away...then I pray and pray and ask the Lord to help me get through those times and when he does it is soo awesome...so for me about 2 months ago is when I recieved my breakthrough and my creativity came raining down on me...and I KNOW IT IS the rain that comes from Heaven above!!  So when I shared with my husband about this...he said to me something that touched my heart...he said "Don't give up on your dream...that is who you are...he reminded me about the time he needed to wait in a 5 hour long line...in the rain and on his birthday on top of that in order to just apply for the job that he has had for the last 13 years which has made it possible for him to provide for us a new home, vehicles, and life's neccessities...he reminded me to not give up no matter how long I have to stay in line for my turn to come...it is amazing how we can forget that if something is worth anything of value to ourselves...then it is worth the wait!  The Lord is so amazing how in just a matter of a few days he sent many messages through different messengers to remind me not to give up...especially on my dreams!

Baby Steps Goals + 100 "Likes" Celebration!

 

Hello Everyone...I am so happy to announce that I am celebrating a small baby step goal that I was able to achieve...I reached 100 "Likes" on my FB Artist page!!  Now this may seem like a silly goal but I am very happy about it so I am going to share about it and celebrate it and I'm offering 25% off everything in my boutique for this weekend only!

 

I have written about many things on this blog and I may not have a big reader following but I am also doing this blog for myself...to document my growth and the struggles I have dealt with along the way as a woman of God, a wife, a daughter, sister, aunt/nina and now instant mommy, a friend, and as an artist...of course I do not put all the details but enough to document what I've been dealing with.

 

Most of my current struggles is about learning to juggle...my perspective has changed and becoming an 'instant mommy' was what catapulted that change.  I am happier now as a mother and I feel blessed to have such a beautiful, sweetheart, sunshine girl (as I call her) who is also very talented artistically for her young age of 4.  Now that things are getting better with all of us adjusting to each other and our new routines I feel I can continue on my personal artistic journey alongside.

 

Recently I had the most wonderful conversation with my cousin Sarah who herself is an artist along with her husband and both darling and gorgeous daughters...it was a much needed message that I needed to recieve since she completely understood my own personal struggle as a mother with a creative soul.  She understood my conflict of interests of wanting to still be creative but at the same time putting all my attention on my little girl.  She encouraged me to continue being a good mommy but also to take the time to continue to create but to also be realistic.

 

This made me realize that I needed to take 'Baby Steps'...to not overwhelm myself with unrealistic goals.  I'm not going to ever stop dreaming big but taking 'baby steps' will help me get to my goals in a more realistic way for me.  I need to go back to the beginning of what it is that I enjoy doing...she also told me something that I felt was freeing to me in a way...she said not to feel like I need to share all my artwork with the world...to keep some of it for myself!  I really like that...it's like giving myself permission to create at my own pace and not feel as though I need to share every detail!

 

Soo that's why I'll be sharing my 'Baby Steps' and celebrating them...my next baby step is to sell at least 1 item a week...no matter how big or small...just to get myself in a routine to put my art that I'm ready to share with others out there and this will help me work my way up!

 

Alongside with that "Baby Steps" goal I have a goal to do at least one creative thing a day...even if it's just coloring with my little girl in one of her coloring books! :)  Have a blessed day everyone and thank you for sharing this part of my journey with me! :) 

*SuMmErY WhiMsY WhiSheS*

Hello there!  I decided to try out a new look for my blog...I really like this layout because it'll be easier to showcase my artwork here...I hope you like this cleaner simpler look too!  Also, I'd like to share with you a *FREEBIE*  - part of my new *Whimsy Wishes* that I will be creating more of:

 

(Just right click & save as on your computer!)

Most of you probably don't know this...but once upon a time not to many years ago I did a little Digital Designing...aka Cre8tvlyYrs Designs (2007-2009).  It was a short lived career attempt but it did teach me alot about PSPCS2! :)

Sooo, I thought...I might as well use those skills in creating cute cards and bookmarkers and also to offer some digital freebies here and there!

So for this first *FREEBIE* I used an old digital kit I created in 2009 called "Vibrant Summery Beach Days".  All the original artwork was created by me on my little Wacom tablet...which I still have and occassionaly use.

I will be creating more *Whimsy Wishes* as cards which I'm still trying to decide to offer them as digital or handmade creations or even both for sale in my Etsy Boutique...I will announce how and when soon but for now I created this for you all as a gift and a *Whimsy Wish* for your summer!

Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina :)

A Kind Of Healing...

Hello Friends!  Just thought I'd post this quick little slideshow featuring some of my favorite digital ATC's I created back in 2006 when I was really into digital creating and share a little reflection of how this digital medium helped me to heal and lead me back to my love of painting!

 I began using the digital 'medium' to create shortly after the passing away of my beloved grandmother because I was in such deep mourning that I couldn't paint, draw, scrapbook on paper...natha!  Seriously, it was as though my mourning of her death sucked out all my joy...especially since my main thing I loved doing back then was scrapbooking and then of course other paper crafting.

 

But of course as an artist and creative soul I yearned to do something creative ...I stumbled upon the digital scrapbooking websites and it ignited my creativity again.  I know that digital had gotten a bad rep within the paper medium scrapbooking & paper crafters community but honestly digital scrapbooking actually was a God send to me...it helped me feel creative again...to feel excited about creating again and led me back to paper crafting and then to creating my original artworks (which is another story entirely!)...but I felt I needed to share this part of my journey...because I need to remind myself of this when I am needing a little pick me up...which is where I am now!

 

Early this morning was a little tough for me...I couldn't sleep due to all the negative thoughts swirling in my mind...I was doubting everything about myself...it was a soul searching moment and I prayed, I cried and journaled my heart out...until the Lord brought me peace again.  At first I wasn't going to post about this but for some reason (even if it's only to help just 1 person) I felt led to go ahead and do so...and so I am!  As I was getting ready to post here I found this slideshow (I created earlier this year but never posted) as though my Guardian Angel was reminding me of where I've been and how far I've come and to not give up on my dreams!

 

I feel like I'm on this part of my journey that I see an old worn out bridge that I must cross in order to continue on my path to reach my dreams and goals and it's scary...I've taken a few steps but the bridge is creaking and I'm afraid I'll fall...I am wondering if I will be able to make it...I am gripped with fear but at the same time my faith is telling me to continue...I must continue...so continue I will...

Flying With Charity Wings

So I finally got the chance to meet Elena Etcheverry the founder of Charity Wings and the Charity Wings Art Center and I'd like to share a little about my visit.

 

Here is the beautiful Charity Wings banner that hangs by the entry way:

 

and here I am proudly standing underneath my 'Valentina 2013'!

Here is Elena & I after finally meeting...she is so sweet and friendly that I felt like we already met and we're old friends!  We got to chat for about an hour and she gave us a tour of the Art Center!  It was really nice to meet her and I'm surely going to be visiting more often...especially since I've become a member of the Charity Wings Art Center!

If any of you would like to be a part of a really fun and creative environment I really would like to encourage you to visit Charity Wings Art Center and become a member to help the Art Center to continue to be a wonderful place for crafters and artists alike to gain inspiration and friendships!