Dare to Dream Different . . .

. . . and to do that, you have to "Take Time To Dream".  That's the name of the mini-booklet I put together for the Dare to Dream Different Art Challenge, over at Sandy Babb's Quill Cottage.  That is what this challenge helped me to do, take time. . . then take time to dream.  Through Sandy's introspective musings, I too was challenged both by the theme of the challenge and in fulfilling the spirit of it. I needed to enter into it with something new to me.  I am new to the blogoshpere, just started this month. I am new to challenges, too.  So I want to thank you Sandy for presenting this challenge at the perfect time in my journey.  I loved doing it and I feel I'm already a winner from the personal insights gained.


 I have never made a mini-booklet.  I gathered information online, but to do the accordion style I had in mind, I was supposed to use one long sheet of paper.  But that was for a really mini, mini booklet.  I wanted to use larger pictures, so I sewed 4 sections together to make my 10 page booklet. But for me, the most important part was the words, ie., Words to Live By. The words came first (part of that "taking time" process -  you can read a little about it here).  I chose which of the barefoot girls on Sandy's site would fit my story, except I always knew I would use the one with the crane.  Then I sought images on the web to express my other thoughts, put all of them through Photoshop Elements to add the vintage old-photo brown coloring, as well as the glow evident in many of the pictures to give them a dream-like quality. Added some digital scrapbook elements, printed a pattern onto the back side of the pages,did some hand stamping, "gilded" the edges with a gold leaf pen and sewed the pages together. Created a digital collage for the front and back covers, added a title and here you are. . . Take Time To Dream   

In dreams . . . I am a little girl again, innocent, trusting, hopeful.

I believe I can do anything.  Nothing is too silly, too odd to try.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not even tying a ribbon around a bird, expecting to be lifted up with him as he takes off in flight.

On his wings, I see the earth below, I feel so free. 

Anything is possible . . . in my dreams.

I am learning to live my dreams, grabbing creativity around the neck,


looking down on the walls of doubt and fear I had built around me. 


 From here they seem so small.

And the more I dream, the more I see of that little girl . . .


. . . running barefoot through fields of light, innocent, trusting, hopeful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Come fly with me . . .

Thank you all for coming by . . . 


Dora




PS. (If you'd really like the rest of the details, say so in your comment and I'll gladly fill you in.)




Words to Live By
Avalon Steampunk

I wish I could show you . . .

Yes, I wish I could show you the cute little accordion booklet I made for the challenge put up by Sandy Babbs over at Quill Cottage.  But . . . the "show" date isn't until Monday Jan. 31.  So . . .I'll just show the cover, but more importantly, at least for me . . . the words.  I  mean, this IS Words to Live By . . . so . . .


Here's the cover

and the words


Take Time To Dream


In dreams ~ I am a little girl again, innocent, trusting, hopeful.


I believe I can do anything.  Nothing is too silly, too odd to try.


Not even tying a ribbon around a bird, expecting to be lifted up with him as he takes off in flight.


On his wings, I see the earth below, I feel so free.  Anything is possible . . . in my dreams.


I am learning to live my dreams, grabbing creativity around the neck,


looking down on the walls of doubt and fear I had built around me.  From here they seem so small.


And the more I dream, the more I see of that little girl . . . 


. . . running barefoot through fields of light, innocent, trusting, hopeful.


Come fly with me. . .




These words have more meaning to me than simply pages in a booklet to join a challenge.  I had a session with a biofeedback practitioner and one of the areas that showed up as a past problem that needed clearing was as a 3 year old girl.  When I tried to do as instructed, to let that 3 year old me feel safe, to comfort her, I couldn't do it.  Other areas that needed clearing were more successful, but this one . . . I don't know why, but I was at a loss.  Surprisingly, I began to weep. Then this challenge came up, and as many things have been on my journey to spiritual health, just at the perfect time.


Something about it grabbed me and I started working on it right away.  Though Sandy posted the challenge on Jan. 8th, I didn't find it and respond to it until Jan. 13. I saw the biofeedback gal Jan. 18th and finished the booklet by Jan. 22.  It's something I've never done before, first of all join a challenge and second, make a booklet. It all just . . . happened.  And whether or not I win the challenge . . . I have simultaneously gone back to meet the little girl in me and I've grown more into the woman I want to be.  That's what I call a real win.  


Come back later Monday to see the inside of my life-affirming booklet.  I just can't wait to share it with you.


Thanks for coming by,


Dora

The Bead Soup Blog Party participants have been chosen . . .

. . . and I'm not one of them.  But, Lori Anderson, originator of this extremely popular event had a great suggestion for us also rans.  On the reveal day of March 3rd, we can show our own creations, inspired by the challenge, but on our own sites.  Then, we go visit the actual partiers and comment on their work.  "Genuine comments" not "nice necklace, now come see mine". With genuine comments, partiers are likely to come and check us out and see our work, thus driving visitors to our sites.  What a genius idea Lori!  But it came at the cost of a sleepless night for Lori, worrying about the rest of us.  In the same unofficial challenge, we are encouraged to do something out of our comfort zone, using beads and focals we don't remember why we bought in the first place.  


This weekend, I took several focals to the Oregon coast with me and bought some new beads to go with them.  I enjoyed this bead hunt. And after I learned I wasn't officially in the party, I got to work on one of my necklaces.  Here's what I've got so far:

The focal and the planned accompanying beads

Almost finished, just needs a clasp

Here's a couple of other groupings I've got planned:

Come back soon and see how they turn out.

Thanks for visiting me today.

Dora

Some very intentional diversion

My dear hubby took me to the coast Sunday and Monday for some very intentional diversion.  Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. day to most people this year.  For me, it is the second year that my second son Seth is not around for his birthday.  Born January 16, 1977 Seth passed away Christmas Eve 2009 likely from a seizure he had while alone in his room. Family has been supportive but I miss him so much.

Here at the coast it was snowing.  Seth loved snow, he was a snowboarder.  I can't seem to get away from memories of him, even with this sweetly planned diversion.  I did take a few pictures, but it hadn't snowed yet.

We had a suite on the 6th floor overlooking Coos Bay. We took a day trip up to Florence, I bought some beads in case I'm chosen for the Bead Soup Blog Party that I'll show you next blog.  The diversion, though wonderfully well-intended has been minimally helpful.  A mother's heart can never forget and I don't believe there will be a final tear.


Thanks for your shoulder,


Dora

One more thing . . .

See that cute little barefoot girl over there to the right? That's a challenge from Sandy Babb over at Quill Cottage who through some introspection of her own, decided some things she was doing and some clothes she was wearing needed to be kicked off like a pair of shoes that pinched and hurt. 

“In other words, to free myself of the confines of something that was so uncomfortable and disagreeable."

She has provided several adorable pictures of barefoot children to use in your art and asks the questions:

“If you could run barefoot in one area of your life what would it be?

What is holding you back”

What would it take to kick off those shoes and run with your dream?

This is a perfect fit for me on my path to physical, emotional and spiritual health.  Go on over and read the full post.  It is rich with honesty, thought provoking common sense, an urging to let yourself be free to be yourself. She does it all within the analogy of kicking off the shoes that make walking your path miserable and instead, going barefoot for awhile.  Thank you Sandy for inviting me into the meadow, barefoot and full of expectation.

Dora

Portions for my proportions

Well, before all the buzz over being the biggest craft hoarder, I was doing something sensible.  I was dividing into portions foods, that left to my own devices, would end up being snacked up within a few days.  The main two items are Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats and my Kirkland (Costco) Calcium Chews. Both are very tasty, and very easy to just keep on munching.


I know, it sounds rudimentary.  But as much as I've heard it before, I've never done it.  And it has helped tremendously.  Here's a picture of my portions:

And, I had finished this necklace:

And somewhere in there we had company over for a prime rib dinner that was to die for.  The best I have EVER eaten! This came as a surprise because I had tried something new for me, I cooked it in the Showtime rotisserie countertop oven.  I learned the use of the sear feature and it came out perfect. For those of you interested: An 8 pound rib eye roast, stabbed with garlic, sear for 25 minutes, rotisserie for 1 hour and 10 minutes for a very pink center.  We were so excited to try it, I forgot to take an after picture until it was too cooled off to look good.  Guess we'll just have to try that recipe again . . . soon.

Well, this portion didn't help my proportions . . . the the prepackaged portions will.  So far I have lost 7 lbs.  My mind is supporting me in being kind to myself in only eating what is good for my body, this temple of light.


Talk to you soon,


Dora

I have returned from the abyss!!!

CRAFTSU Social Network sent me an email on January 11, announcing that a "major television production company is casting extreme crafting enthusiasts for a new major television series".  I was invited to send some photos of my crafts, my workspace and myself, along with a phone number, to them.


So. . . . for the past 3 days I have probably been doing just what I shouldn't have.  I cleaned up my craft areas.  I don't know about you other crafters out there, but once I get into my major craft area I am swallowed whole, never to be seen for hours at a time.  But I persevered, despite ruining my chances for being the biggest craft hoarder, and TOTALLY cleaned and organized my humble room. I say humble because my shelves consist of milk crates, nut cans and 6 x 8" cutoffs supporting a mismatched batch of boards and plywood. Quite shabby, not so chic. Take a look:

That's the major craft room, here is the jewelry area in my 10 x 6 office, which also houses 3 computers, 2 printers, 2 large rolling file cabinets, a small desk as well as built in desk all around.  My desk chair can only roll about 18" in any direction without hitting one of the work areas.

Then, there's the alternate kitchen table where I make my clay snowball ornaments, and the downstairs kitchen where I store completed items ready to be shipped when sold in my Etsy store:

Then, there was the assemblage of photos to show some of my work.  Using Publisher then Photoshop Elements, I spent considerable time finding, arranging, cropping and correcting enough pictures to show the range of things I make.  I crafted ;) a letter of interest, then included these photos.  There's a bunch of 'em, so sit back, relax and come into my crafting world.

Then there was the fine print.  I read that the age group they were looking for was 18-50.  I may feel 50, or even less, but I'm not. I've got a really clean house though, and my craft rooms . . . ready for the next project.  Next blog . . . how's the eating plan going?

Thanks for visiting,

Dora

I used up my bandwidth!

Today was a peaceful day, perusing other sites, reading Etsy articles . . . buying stuff!  Today I got hung up at CoolScrapsDigital where I bought seven digital design packages, bundles, megas . . .I browsed so long that Hughesnet slowed down my bandwidth!!!  And that was before I started downloading the 33 files that make up my purchase.  Oh the details, what a bother.


I'm very happy with my purchases and I'll include some in this post with credits. I also had a little time for jewelry! And in perfect timing, Lori Anderson over at Pretty Things joined my blog and invited me to sign up for the 5th Bead Soup Blog Party.  If you like to bead, go on over there and check it out, but hurry, the sign ups are only from Jan. 7-9. I did! (But hold Ctrl when you click on Pretty Things so you can finish up here =)  .)


Also had some time to set a direction for making jewelry this year.  I still will make steampunk pieces, but in finishing up a couple of other styles, I see some possibilities there. Which ties into the Etsy article that I enjoyed today. After watching the video, I clicked on a link in the second paragraph that led to another article on photography.  This was before and after photos, not of the same thing necessarily, but by the same artisan. Perhaps needless to say, their photos have greatly improved.  I say all this to say, the photos of my work today are just for friend to friend sharing here, so . . . be kind.


One is a poppy jasper donut with matching round beads and silver colored spacers, the other a Victorian style filigree focal with charcoal and black glass beads and additional silver colored filigree accents.

I enjoyed the poppy jasper one quite a lot, so you may see more of this style at my Etsy store.  And after looking at Lori Anderson's site, I see I have a l-o-o-o-ng way to go with my skill level.  But that's exactly what Julia Cameron's, The Artist's Way will help me with.  The second chapter, Recovering a Sense of Identity starts, "This week addresses self-definition as a major component of creative recovery." She goes on to say:

"Creativity flourishes when we have a sense of safety and self-acceptance.   Your artist, like a small child, is happiest when feeling a sense of security. . .  Not surprisingly, the most poisonous playmates for us as recovering creatives are people whose creativity is still blocked.  Our recovery threatens them."

So, getting exposure to someone like Lori, whose creativity has bloomed and continues to blossom, will certainly will not be threatened by me.  I can learn from her, and move forward finding my "self definition".  It's exciting to consider where this will take me.

To get these quotes from The Artist's Way, I had to go to my "altar".  So called by Marianne Williamson as representative of the sacred.  My journal should always return there, my books, items that remind me of the sacred in my life, which these pictures will identify.

 The journal page, D, beads and flourish were from CoolScrapsDigital, the artist is EMS Arts and the designer kit is called Delilah.  I told you I'd get some in here, and I'm STILL downloading them, I'll have plenty to share in the days to come.  Here's the list I'm working down while I put today's blog together:

As to my diet today, I've done pretty well.  With so much creative time on my hands, I wasn't reaching for something else to fill that void.  I am satisfied in body, mind and spirit.  Each have received plenty of sustenance today and I'm feeling great!  

No exercise yet, but I am a slow starter yet a long burner.  Once my fire is lit, it's hard to put out.  So, I am patient with myself and expect Nia will be coursing through my awareness any day now . . .

If I could only get to bed earlier . . . but then when would I download?

Good morning,

Dora

My path is made clearer than ever . . .

Today was one of those get shtuff done, get labs drawn, make payments, pick up kids, go to Costco, pick up dinner, finally get into the office.  No time for crafts today, and also, no time to eat.  I had a few spoons of my absolute favorite Greek yogurt (ZOI - honey), took a bottle of water with me and that's it till dinner.  And I felt just great!  Able to have more ZOI after dinner and still be around 1200 calories.  That was my perfect diet for today.  


Into the office after dinner, checked into my Facebook page to find a blessing waiting there for me.  Katrina Love Penn, the author of Eat Yourself Trim, one of those mentors I listed on my first day here, took time out of her day to write and encourage me, to wish me "blessings and love".  I was humbled. I feel blessed.


Back to the "Book of Knowledge", ie., Google: subconscious . . . found Bruce Lipton, cell biologist and author, speaking on his study and newly accepted knowledge by the noetic sciences that "genes do not control what happens in our bodies.  It is their response to their environment, OR the organisms perception of the environment."  Our minds perceive our environment and our emotions interpret those perceptions and our genes respond the the resulting emotional signals. He states we have "50 million cells, each like an individual", receiving these signals and responding.  "When the leadership is off, the cells rebel, causing a disturbance in the population which results in a state of dis-ease. . . if we change our perception, then we change our gene activity."  


On another of Bruce Lipton's videos he compared all of us as actors in The Matrix, that we've all been programmed, and are working for "the machine".  That it's time to get "out of the program and wake up your consciousness.  When you do . . . you return to the seat of power, the power of who you are, which is beyond belief."


With Katrina's blessing and Bruce's focus on changing my perception, my path is made clearer than ever.  Thanks for listening.


Dora

My day out wasn't totally a waste, I was able to pick all these guys up for less than $12.  I'm planning on using them as toppers for utensil chimes, hoping to have some in my Etsy store by summer.  Oh, and that red item in the back . . . a chocolate rose, brought to me by dear hubby.  If I weren't so "aware", I might think he was trying to sabotage me . . . but it's all in perception, right?
Uh huh.

Why Words to Live By?

During my surfing the cyber Book of Knowledge, Google, I came across the idea that if I make an effort to view events in ways that will always be for my greater good, I will "deepen into my (your) own intuition".  Actively testing personal expression of words like "compassion, respect, kindness, listen, create" ~ I could truly find words to live by. Sound like a lot of Kumbaya?  Well let me segue that into craft and healthy living practice.


When I distilled this information, I wanted to make these preferred actions to become part of my unconscious as well as my conscious mind.  I have a large room to do my Nia work, and the walls are bare.  Why not print out those words in beautiful lettering, frame them and put them on all the walls?  So, while I'm dancing in Nia ecstasy I will subconsciously be seeing those beautiful words.  Crazy, huh?  I like it.


Well here's a couple I came up with on short notice:

But I had to do one more thing with these beautiful letters.  A small memorial tribute to my Aunt Frances, who passed away at home, in her sleep, this past Tuesday.

How did I get here?

         Yes, it’s a new year, and yes, I’m on a diet once again.  But as I said in my first post, this desire to improve who I am began around September 2011 and I have been gathering information and resources to take me down the path I feel will have the end result of being closer to my Creator.  More like He made me.  I don’t believe He makes junk.  So in that effort to be more in line with His desires for my body . . . I embark on this health quest.

Back in September, I read on a website about the best “diet” is one you develop yourself . . . AS LONG AS . . . the foods in your food plan are both nutritious and delicious.  For the past 2 weeks, I’ve been experimenting on what foods I can do without, and what foods I really like that are both delicious and nutritious. This formula was said to naturally guide me to my personal perfect diet. 

Nutritious foods I like include, dried apricots, prunes, dates, brown rice, salad, broccoli, portabello mushrooms, salmon, chicken for starters.

Delicious foods I like include ZOI Greek Yogurt, coconut oil, avocados, pineapple, grapefruit and Vita muffins.

I’m sure I’ll be able to add to this list as I try new foods that have been there all along, but I just passed them by.  Treasure within our reach.

A treasure I will sorely miss is my Aunt Frances who passed away this morning (January 3) at 6 am in her sleep.  She was an amazing woman, kind-hearted and open-spirited.  96 years she could always be found smiling.  I love her and will miss her.

So . . . I am embarking on a food journey, trying to find my right path.  To walk upon that path, I will need strength and agility.  I will need to tone my body in a method that allows me to determine my course.  Nia is what I have chosen.  I sat through the Global Unity DVD to watch the feel of the movements, watch the individual interpretations of the other dancers, to see where I needed to practice certain moves.

I am encouraged with the happiness I see on the faces of the dancers.  From what I have read Nia practice will heighten my sense of well-being and will also have the side effect of building muscle and losing fat.  I have not attempted it yet, and the book, The Nia Technique, encourages a slow and gradual entrance into the body work of Nia.  I’ll let you know as I progress.

I started today to begin from Lesson One of Marianne Williamson’s course in weight loss.  I’ve listened all the way through all 6 CDs and I am aware this course takes active participation.  I know in this first lesson, I will be “Tearing Down the Wall”, the wall of suppressed emotions expressed in layers of fat, hiding me from being hurt again. I know too, that there is a humongous list to choose from!  And each one that applies to you, she wants you to “Don’t go unconscious, write it all out.”  Wow. I’m pretty sure I’ll be in Chapter 1 for some time, but because I have listened through the whole CD set, I know that it is all for a purpose, to retrain those neuropathways to new ways of thinking, which leads to new ways of feeling.

Feelings lead to much of my eating.  Even before Seth died Christmas Eve 2009, I battled my weight. I’m learning that the reasons are complex and poorly understood by my conscious self, but I’m on my way to “awareness”.  I am sure Seth’s passing helped direct me here . . . a tremendously bittersweet thought for me.

So . . . I’ve touched on 3 areas of my metamorphosis training =)

1. Creating a healthy food plan

2. Learning more about Nia

3. Journaling

Who cares what tomorrow may bring, we have the now

Dora

*Nia and Marianne Williamson links can be found in my very first first post.

(Aunt) Frances Koller

December 2, 1915 - January 3, 2012

A burst of creative energy . . .

I had planned to be here much quicker than this, good grief, it's already the 3rd. =)  But I stumbled upon this tutorial by Trish Hodgens .  As a young girl, I was always in awe of the Easter egg my neighbor, Linda always got.  It was made of sugar, laced in frosting, but best of all, it had a tiny little scene inside. That's what imprinted on my mind when I saw the pic on the tutorial.  I bought it around Dec. 7, but due to the business of the season, the printout sat untouched, unnoticed for days.  But it was still percolating in the back of my mind.

A new year brings new hope, new vision. I haven't been working in clay. At all. This is only about the third or fourth time I've made anything.  Why did I think I could just DO this?  Idk. It has been a relaxing time, and has spurred my imagination to expand the uses of this developing skill. Very good therapy for a tender time in my life.


So, here are my pretties, thanks to Trish Hodgens at Poly Clay Play

Thanks for coming by today.  

Dora

Also see my steampunk jewelry and paper doll fairies over at Etsy.