learning to love consistency..

Being consistent is a real challenge for me. I get bored with routine and rules and just want to buck the system. You just ask my kids, I’m sure they’d say that mum makes the rules and doesn’t stick to them, or she just ‘plain old’ forgets them….. and they know they can bend me very easily. Certainly doesn’t make mothering an easy job when I’m the one wanting to break all the rules.

This relates to my biz too…I’ve been doing loads of research lately on branding. And I’m aware that I’m really drawn to biz’s that have strong identity, strong consistency. That’s where I want to be. But how do I do that if I feel challenged by being consistent? What comes across if I’m not consistent is a scattering of STUFF. Not a pretty sight. And explains why I have never wanted to settled down into one artsy medium.

I have learnt the hard way in the past that the only true freedom is freedom within the boundaries. And funny enough consistency brings with it its own freedom. It’s a different sort of freedom…one where I know how far I can push the boundaries, a safe freedom where I know that its not going to back fire in my face.

So as challenging as it is, I am learning to embrace consistency and rhythm and my own personal rules…this feels like a tough one, but I know it shall have its rewards…although I’m not sure if the kids will agree on this one!

time for a new pair of OKA.b's....

you all know how much I've loved my white floral OKA.b thongs....yes its been a true love affair + well they have been the perfect thing to wear in the sub tropics. I love that they are so much more than just a thong. they are feminine + floral and whilst l'd love to be wearing lace up ankle boots with my floral dresses, its just too darn hot...

Here's my new pick, Bridget is going to be my new gal pal.... yes we are coming into Autumn here in Australia, but really I've been wearing my thongs for 9 months out of 12. can't believe I've had my thongs since 2008!

Found these guys have a blog and have loved perusing the behind the scenes fashion shots...these thongs are 100% recycled, got to love that too!

360 Degrees Breath

Journal Page~ Inspiration Avenue Weekly Challenge

I'm stopping for a moment. to take it all in. to celebrate the moment that I'm in. some doors are opening in such a self expanding way that a little fear is creeping into my enthusiastic spirit.

this post here by tracey could have been written by my heart, for its exactly how I'm feeling...I too have some 'big' things in the pipeline. things I've dreamt, wished, journaled about for the longest time. and as they are happening, I am taking small steps, letting my heart know its all going to be ok and that I can let go of the self doubt.

I'm being gentle on my tender heart, taking a 360 degree breath and softly moving forward.

Bloom True Workshops in Australia

Flora Bowley~ Bloom True Workshops

for anyone who hasn't heard Flora Bowley is coming to Australia in March. some fellow artists are hosting the workshops...there are opportunities to be part of these workshops in WA, hosted by Donna and one in Melbourne hosted by Julia.

By all acounts that I've read, her workshops are amazing. If you feel inspired to paint,this is one you don't want to miss!

a bright, bright day...

today has been one of those days were resolutions, rhymes and reasons why's have been popping into my head and into my being. aha's in a string full....answers to questions that I have been asking for a long time, have made themselves known. and finally getting it. on all levels.

its brought me to a place where I'm filling ok about where I've been + the amount of time its taken. I'm being ok with being in my own space. Owning it. Stepping up into it. Loving that space and what it has taught me. Being grateful...

One of the articles I read that lead me to questioning my Self was this...and this qu popped right off the page. Why am I proud of my [product] Art? I picked up a pen + logically I thought it would be a struggle, but this is what flowed out....(uncensored + a little repetitive, but hey I was in the flow!)

• its taken me years of practice, self discovery + inner searching, patients + determination
• its the truth of my Self expression
• its the thing that most express who I am
• I truly feel connected to all that is possible when I create
• it feels my heart with joy
• art is the place that is self accepting, loving + reflective. like a true friend who never questions why
• i feel so deeply that it is who I am + that I am art
• we are undeniably inseparable
• it makes my heart flutter with joy + excitement

my whole being is swelling with possibility, from the inside out. if my art inspired me to feel this way I'd love to share that with you...so you too can feel it from + in your heart.

and you know that I love to hear what makes you tick... why are you proud of what you create?

Sharing some Love...

'I see Love in your Heart'

it feels like I've finally had the time + inspiration to create....nothing like having a date to create to, to get the motivational juju flowing. These thready hearts are for a Love Swap.Made from wire, wrapped vintage linen, gold thread, my eye images and shells from the beac.h Jacky has a pic of her stitched hearts if you'd like a peek. can't wait to receive the swap.....truly who can resist participating in a Heart/Love Swap?

I have to say that reading many Valentine posts over the lsat few days that there is alot of Love + gratitude in this mixed media community.Visually, emotionally, in thoughts + words + energetically. Truly I felt warm + fuzzy after much reading. I hope your heart vibrated with good energy throughout Valentines day. Even if you don't celebrate the day its a good reminder about feeling the Love!

Here's some Love Links I've been enjoying. you may have already discovered them, but I'm finding loads of great reading here...biznessy + soul probing!

• Olive Bites -the Will Smith clip is a MUST see...
• Notes on Paper- Tips for Twitter Curious. What can I say other than this is amazing info if you don't know much about tweeting
• The Joy of Marketing
• Scoutie Girl

happy reading...

fall into your own heart

Fall into My Heart~ mixed media collage

Happy Valentines Day dear friends....I don't usually celebrate this day but I figured its a great time to spread some LOVE.

Hope your heart is full of Self Love Today!

bookshelf makeover

this bookshelf was made about 15yrs ago by my very skilled cabinet maker hubby.it was in our spare room before we were parents and then in our sons room..it was a design we saw on a Better Homes+ gardens and I gave it a very astral theme ....do you remember when the stars, moon + sun motifs were really popular? thats the decor we had in the room.

Now its made its way into my studio + I love it in my space. I do have a thing for white furniture + am working towards creating that in my space...it took countless coats of paint to go over the blue.

But I love that I can use it for my books AND treasures.

let me guide you through some of my bookshelf goodies... my all time favourite novel 'Watership Down' I read it when I was at highschool and loved it sooo much I learnt how to play the theme song on the electric organ (they were popular instruments in the '80's) still makes my heart flutter, my rune stones and a beautiful mixed media piece from Lucy.

heart shaped coral from the beach in a vintage glass. some collected shells that are all the same kind + a rainbow canvas painting my daughter created.

my first ever glazed teapot.we were on holidays one year when our son was little + I was in much need of some time out. I went to a ceramic shop and glazed this teapot. most happy with the outcome. and a cup I made from paper clay.there used to be a whole set, but unfortunately the other pieces didn't fair to well over the years.

some red glass beads, a minature painting from my dear friend Maryika, a long life candle I won and a Tibetan clearing bell from my feng shui girlfriend. i use this a lot if there is any yukky energy about in the house.

more shells. these all have holes in them ready to be wrapped or woven into something, in a bowl I glazed. yellow buttons in a vintage glass and a journal I made up with my own rhyme + reason after not getting into one of DJ's journal making workshops here in Australia.

yes another teapot with a crocheted doily. it pours the best tea.

and on the bottom shelf volumes of arty stuff, photo albums of my art, newspaper articles I've featured in and my perceptive astrology notes.

all things dear to my heart. my studio is definitely a work in progress, one step at a time, but I love how this has all come together.

making pressies are there own gift

a pressie for a special friend

I love to make presents for my friends birthdays. there is something special that happens when I create a gift to give. maybe its the unbridled emotion + affection, maybe its the freedom of allowing what ever to come up because I know they are going to love it regardless, or maybe its a sense of playfulness + unlimitedness. I always feel incredibly fulfilled after....its a great filling up of my soul.

this pressie is going to a very special arty friend who's having a special number birthday celebration. I got this in the post today for her. I know she won't be here to peek. She'll be busy planing + making for her fancy dress party, Cowboys + Indians (truly she is the events Queen. you should see what she does for her kids parties!) I'm sorry I won't be there, but I'm sure it will definitely be a blast!!

So my darling Anna, Happy Birthday for tomorrow....

She's doing what she loves!

this is Beth Nicholls, have you meet her yet? I wanted to give a big whole hearted shout about what she's doing. Do What You Love, retreat in the UK with a great line up of tutors at an amazing place. love this artist's work who's part of the 3 who are teaching there. theres an insightful interview with her here.

Beth is also running an e-course for those of us who can't wing our way to England....truly worth checking out.