Art Journal Prompt: 2014 Free Writing

I love opening my art journal to that bright yellow page of sunshine-{post here}....Oh how I have been craving those warm sunny days and looking at this page just makes my day! Now time to add on to it...


Find a quiet 15 minute block.
 Music- check.
Snack- check.
Journal- check.

Materials needed:
one image
glue or tape
a sharpie or pen

Find ONE image from anywhere that inspires you. I chose this one.

 Tape or glue it on to the page. 

Write out the new year anywhere on the page... or ALL OVER the page! Whatever floats your boat.

Then free flow any thought that comes to your mind as quickly as possible. Don't stop to think- just write. Don't worry about spelling or handwriting. Heck, just write in all different directions if you wish- no rules here! 

15 minutes is up. Put your pen cap on and just sit there. 

Sit with gratitude in your heart for the past year and all that occurred (good or bad)...and give gratitude for the year you are currently in and all the endless possibilities that your road will take you on. 

Make it a great weekend! 

Besitos, xo

Art Journaling Prompt: A Fresh Start.

Januray to me is missing something... I mean does anyone else feel like there is a huge void from the holidays...we need a major holiday in January to ease us into the year and get us out of the funk! 

How about celebrating and doing some ART JOURNALING!!!! It's a great way to relax, ponder, and meditate! And perfect to do along side of your kiddos as well!!

Okay-I know art journaling can seem... well... overwhelming. Who has the time right? We are all so busy...that is why it has taken me only two weeks to get this post up! 

But I am ready... and I have decided to break it down where all you have to do is spend 15 minutes a week or at the end of the month you could do the entire page if you have a bigger chunk of time and would rather do it that way. 

So. go grab a snack and put on some soft tunes...I for some reason chose honey-nut cheerios and almonds. It's actually a great combo! Who knew.

Close your eyes...well after you read what I have written- and think back to the past year. Think of all the great moments...not so great moments and anything in between. How fast time flies by. It feels like yesterday you were there...or maybe it feels like an eternity. Now, jot down thoughts and memories that come to mind from the last year.  No need to put value on it as good or bad- just put it down.

Now whether you had an amazing past year or hardships came your way...it's time for a fresh start and clean slate. Choose a color that reflects your mood. Don't think too hard- whatever you are gravitated to. I was in the mood of sunshine...so I chose yellow.

Now squirt it out on your paper and paint over your words...

Now you have a fresh start to your art Journal...and a fresh start to the new year.

Let it dry...and it's ready for next week's prompt.

See not so bad right?

Happy Weekend! 

Besitos, xo

P.S. Materials used

-Art Journal

-Acrylic Paint

-Paint Brush

Vision Board 2014: My Role as a Wife

I am over  >here<  today sharing with you how I went about my 2014 vision board this year. 

Today I share with you my vision board for my role as a wife.

Out of all my vision boards this is probably one I need to work on the most. At times I feel like I have given so much to the demands of my children that by the time Mister comes home- there is nothing left to give...I am tired, wiped out and ready to sleep. Oh how understanding Mister is... I keep telling him (and myself) that it is just a phase of life...I will get back to me- to us- one day I promise.

But I am so often reminded by the mistakes of my parents who slowly and quietly drifted apart and divorced later in life...that scares me. I can't let my relationship with my spouse be put on the back burner to focus on later. I always want to be working towards the ideal of what I want. Why can't I have it all? Who says it's not possible?

So I closed my eyes and envisioned what I wanted to see...

I saw us awake in bed one night- no kids- no phones- no laptops- just cuddling and pillow talking about our day and the funny things the kids did. I saw us laughing and flirting over dinner while holding hands. I saw little written notes of appreciation left behind for one another like we used to when we were dating. We were happy. We were in love and our kids new that. It was magical.

I see: 

-a partnership

-a team working together

-weekly meetings

-scheduled date nights

-serving one another

I feel:

-his embrace

-his kisses

-loved

-joy

I smell:

-the dinners I prepare

-popcorn at the movies

-my perfume I put on just for him

-chocolates and flowers

I hear: 

-words of appreciation and encouragement

-I love you every day

-flirty words

-laughter

-silence...kids are asleep. Cell phones and laptops are off.

I taste:

-ice cream

-food from our favorite restaurants

-my lip gloss 

Sigh... isn't dreaming wonderful? As I write this out and read it in my head...I realize that we are pretty close to this dream...It's nothing new... I just feel like there are so many more distractions that suck up time away from one another. It's about setting boundaries and scheduling time to make this just as much if not more of a priority as my role as a mother. It's the best gift I can give my kids...two parents who love each other and care enough to make their relationship a priority. Even if it just begins with me and what I do.

Don't forget to head over here on How Does She today and learn more about creating your own personal vision board!

besitos, xo

Vision Board 2014: Motherhood

Holidays are over and done. Sheesh someone should have warned me that the whole Santa gig... is a whole lot of work!

Now it's time to ease back into every day life... it's hard to do. I feel a slight emptiness. I miss my husband who is away at work. I miss my three- year-old who is away at preschool. I miss my sisters and family who are stuck in the Domincian Republic still due to flight cancelations. (I secretly wish I was there) I miss the anticipation of Christmas and New Years. I miss Christmas music and the smells.
sigh.

But here we are...time moves on whether we are ready or not.
2014. Hello.
What do you have in store for me?

This week's art journal will be on creating a mission and vision for 2014. Without a vision or a mission- how will I know where to go?

 I will be on How Does She tomorrow sharing how to get started and since I created 5 mini boards for each area of my life that I want to focus on- I will post one each day this week and share a little more about what I am striving for.
 Starting with today...

My first board is on Motherhood. It is something that is always on the forefront of my mind and a rather easy board to pull together.

I asked myself this: What do I see, feel, smell, hear, and taste this year in regards to being a mother. 

 This is what I envision.

in 2014 I hope 

to see:

-playing 

-reading

-learning
-swimming
-exploring
-traveling

to feel:

-the wind in my face as we bike ride

-the grass under my toes as we play outside
-the sand in my hands as we build sand castles

-the embraces of my little ones

-my lips against those chubby cheeks

to smell:

- warm dinner on the table

-clean home
-clean babies from the bath tub
-the outdoors

to hear:

-giggles

-family prayers

-my son's jokes and chatter at bedtime

-splashes from a pool
-music
-kind words

to taste:

-fresh bread

-homemade pizza
-ice-cream
-weekly donuts

besitos. xo

2014 Art Journaling Challenge...get ready.

Okay so it is no secret that I love to art journal. I don't do it nearly as much as I want to. In fact, the last time I did a page was the day before Little Bean came into this world. {here}

 I went for a walk today with little bean and soaked up the beautiful weather with that sunshine beaming down on my cheeks. I have been thinking lately about this past year and what I want 2014 to be like. I decided I wanted to go for more walks. I also decided that I wanted to art journal again. 

Who is with me? 

Starting in January I will have weekly prompts to get you playing around in your art journal and creating! I may even have monthly videos to share some thought and pages. So- start gathering supplies now! You will need:

*Some sort of journal. You could use a sketchbook, journal with thick pages, water color paper, old book with gesso on pages, etc.

Other stuff I like to use often:

*Glue or Modge Podge

*Scissors

*Paper

*Paint

*Photos

*Magazines

*Old Books

*Quotes and phrases

*Gesso

*Water colors

*Oil Pastels

*Sharpies

*Paint Brushes

*Tape

*Stamps

*Stencils

*Stickers

*Scraps

*Markers

*Pretty Much Anything

Besitos, XO

Silence, Bath, Art, and Oreos: My Kind of Therapy.

The moment came. 
The moment I have been waiting for.
Fathers and Sons Campout!

After packing some sandwiches and kissing my boys good bye, I shut the door and soaked in the silence.

{Sigh} It felt good.

Now, what to do with myself...

My first reaction was to get to work- clean,  laundry, organize, errands, edit photos- imagine all the things I could accomplish!

WHOA THERE... 
I had a second thought... 

...and I made a mad dash to the tub. 
 I couldn't remember the last time I soaked in a bath- let alone had complete silence!

After a blissful soak, I opened the pantry, grabbed my mint oreo stash and some milk and listened to the silence. 

{Sigh} What better moment than to crack open that new Art Journal I have neglected.

 My theme: "Because the common or mundane daily moments and interactions might seem inconsequential-(but) are perhaps among the most critical and influential in character development and nurturing of family relationships"

I wanted to start the inside of this journal with something really simple and something I truly believe in. This journal will be filled with the mundane daily moments that are truly the most important things in my life.

 My little sister Bee sent me a card in the mail a few weeks ago -just because- with this photo of little man playing with him in the snow. I am so blessed to have a sister like her. Love you sis!

 I saw this phrase in a magazine and smiled- I had to add it to my writing page:

"Mom danced with me."

Often times, it is easy to wonder if the mundane and small things we do every day for our children really matter. Little Man and I had one of our dance session in the kitchen that day... and while we were dancing and giggling, I hoped that he would remember these moments forever.

My night ended with a chick flick and my snoogle pillow.

The dishes were left undone, the laundry sat in the dryer, and my to do list was ignored.

It was a good night. 

I must admit that after writing in my art journal- I missed my little man and the mister like crazy.
I can't wait to see them.

xo, besitos

Non-negotiables. Period.

{Art Journal Page: "My inner Mother" My favorite was the little notes in the lunch box!}

I have been trying to sit down and write all week long... but the energy seems to be drained out of my body and my mind these past few days and my bed seems to win over writing. But that still leaves my thoughts to dance around my head as I look upon the end of this month- I ask myself: Did I accomplish this month's goal of setting my priorities? Did I constantly put them first? What are my non-negotiables-  you know the things that are not up for negotiation? 

Isn't it amazing that when we are going through a trial in our life like a loss or a setback (example here) that it seems like the decision and capability to put those priorities first is much more simple. It seems as if the world stops and nothing else matters but those things you cherish the most. During times like these, it's so crystal clear. 

But, soon with time, the mundane obligations and daily responsibilities creep back into life and that clarity becomes a foggy mess. At least it feels that way to me. 

For me, it seems like there are some non-negotiables that pull me out of the fog and I always go back to. 

Some include:

1. Make time for God in my life. Start every day with prayer and spiritual message- include the kids.

2. Make sure my children, husband, and family remain first before any other job. As Dr. Laura would say, "I am my kid's mom." Also, Monday nights are dedicated to family night. Period.

3. Be the kind of Mother that I envision. Take the time to teach, cuddle, laugh, and play each and every day- even if the house chores take a back seat.

4. Serve and love others unconditionally. Leave time in the day to be able to serve... and teach my kids how to do the same.

I am sure there are more out there that I missed or need more work. Like weekly "date nights"- It seems like they should happen more often then they do- but it baby steps.

 What are some of your "NON-NEGOTIABLES?"

besitos,

xo

Digital Art Journaling- a new thing for me.

For any of you digital scrapbookers- you will love this site.

My dear friend Steph has asked me to write a post on art journaling for the Daily Digi... and you know  I love art journaling...that is when I am using paints, gesso, and real photos!

 However, being a digital scrapbooking focused site- I thought I better venture into my unknown world of digital scrapbooking and "put myself out there." So, I wrote a piece entitled: "Therapy through Digital: Putting it all out There for You"- check it out!

I was a little nervous of how to do this...how do I incorperate my style for art journaling with the digital world if I don’t even know how to digitally scrapbook really? What if it is not good. What if these photoshop savvy ladies judge my page? Who am I to write a post on a digital scrapbooking blog? 

I figured it will stretch me a little bit. So, what the heck- go for it!

Here is my first attempt...still somewhat scrapbooky looking- but still I did it!

Second attempt:

In this one I began feeling more free- more experimental in layering and trying new things. It became like...well art journaling... and I got lost in the process!

Want to win $10 in Digital Scrapbook files from amazing designers?

Go here to read my post on my process and the steps to get started in art journaling- the theme for the assignment was gratitude.  If you do this, share a link in the comments under that post with a link to your art journal page by midnight ET 1/26/2013 and you will be eligible to be a winner that will win $10 in product from TWO contributors to The Digi Files this month (winner can choose which designers they would like products from). 

I have loved checking on what others have created so far- can’t wait to see what you come up with! 

Remember – there are NO RULES in art journaling!

Besitos, Xo

Channeling Lucille Ball...

I'll be over at How Does She right here talking about my:

It's where I use Reflection Boards or Soul Collages to process how I feel.

Here is more on one I did over the weekend.

I started with an initial large kitchen timer image. It looks like the one I have in my kitchen that helps me manage my time (more on that later) and I started by gluing it on the page. 

To me this timer represents lack of time and the desire to either stop time completely or find a way to get more of it.

I haven't figured out how to do that quite yet. ;)

I then added books in the corner and it reminded me of how I feel so much like a student still in my field and as a mom. You think you are going to get out of graduate school just knowing everything there is to know about the human psyche but life experiences continue to be my teacher. I feel like I learn new things each and every day from being a mom and a counselor.

Then, I added my girl Lucille Ball (or at least a look a like) and was drawn to her because of who she embodied as her character on "I Love Lucy"- I mean how can you not love her? Plus, I love that era and sometimes feel like I should have lived in the 1950s! I came across an article about Lucille and did you know that she didn't have her baby until one month before her fortieth birthday after several miscarriages? I knew she was my girl- there is always hope.

Then of course amongst her fabulous outfit I had to include her wearing a large "Mom bag" with  little toy robot sticking out of it. It represents to me the reality that motherhood brings but also the possibility of feeling feminine still and being able to laugh and have fun especially at those "Mom moments" like sporting around a ridiculous huge "Mom bag." You know what I am talking about.

I continued to add images and words until it felt complete. 

As I ponder on what I created in my reflection period- here are a few that come to my mind on what they could represent.

Anyhow- you will be seeing a lot more of this as I am beginning to get ready to launch my new website. Stay tuned.

Besitos, 

xo

Me as a grade schooler...

When I was in my early years of grade school-  my mom went to parent teacher conference and the teacher reported being very "pleased" with my hard work and behavior in school.

After a long pause she continued on with, "However, I am concerned with her stomach." Basically stating that at moments I seemed anxious or nervous...

...and she was right.

{The perfectionist at age 5 and practicing staying in the lines}

My stomach often was in knots or had dancing butterflies whirling inside.

I was nervous.

I put a lot of pressure on myself to please my teacher and my parents... and well myself really. It hung over my head each and every day as I tried to do my work "perfectly." My mom recalls moments when I would be practicing my handwriting and would not get a certain letter to be just the way I wanted- I would end up erasing holes into my paper and then crumple it up and start over...and over...and over again.

 I took school really seriously (a little to seriously- why didn't anyone tell me elementary grades didn't really count towards anything!) and therefore, I was slightly obsessive about it.

Maybe a touch of OCD?

 I was that kid that never had to be reminded to do my homework. I just did it. The consequence of not having it turned in was enough to make me never forget an assignment...EVER. 

I was a mother's dream.

Luckily,  that perfectionist little girl- the girl who felt like she had to do everything perfectly- is just a distant memory. 

Today, I am much more free. I am okay to not have everything go as planned. I am okay with leaving a mess...a little too good at that one- I think. I am okay about coloring outside of the lines or making a mistake. And I am okay about not being perfect and pleasing everyone.

It was through expressive art journaling-  that I have found how to let go of controlling an outcome and just roll with what is.

 It is what it is- is now my motto or in the words of p90x's Tony- Do your best forget the rest.

 I will be introducing you my monthly challenge tomorrow...it involves making a mess...

  

But when does a little healthy does of anxiety in children become a problem?

What do you think?

 If you think your child may have anxiety about school or anxiety in general read more signs here.

besitos,
xo

Healing.

 It's always amazes me when people feel the need to keep miscarriages a secret or pretend as if nothing happened. Like as if they aren't supposed to acknowledge that they had a living person (part of them)  growing inside of them. As if they just didn't spend months mentally imagining what this person would be like- what they would feel like- what name you would give them- and they just expect to just carry on with normal conversations and daily life as normal.
 But normal?
 I am not sure what that is anymore.
 At times I feel numb. Other times I feel emotional. Other times I feel the need to crack jokes and laugh.

Yesterday I was chasing little man in the kitchen and he squealed and giggled as I tried to catch him. The sound of his laughter was music to my ears. It was refreshing and reminded me of the love I have for him and being a mother. I am so lucky. Then, that feeling of gratitude quickly disappeared as part of me felt guilty for feeling such great joy. Like it felt weird to laugh or smile or engage in a fun activity.

What is the deal with that? I am supposed to feel all those things so why would I feel guilt?  I think there is a notion that grief is something that begins and then ends. We go through one stage and on to the next never to return to the previous stage. Sadly, in my experience- the stages of grief can be repeated over and over in different variations and levels and sometimes forever.  It doesn't just go away magically one day. They come in waves. It just get's easier to cope with the pain- to find the wishes among the weeds.

I know this experience has forever changed me. I am not the person I was last week. I have an even clearer perspective. I have yet another reminder of how precious and fragile life is.

 I am stronger.

My art journal has had a lot of love lately.

Additionally,  I came upon this soul collage below that I had stuck in my art journal a few weeks ago. It was one that I created while I was at work with a teenage client who was working on her soul collage while I rummaged through images looking for things I was attracted to and glued them on a page.(I like to be doing art along with my client so they feel comfortable and they don't as I am judging their work) :) I was surpised how much I had "home" and "family" on the brain.

Looking back now with different eyes- I see heaven on earth. I see a family with two kids- one of them being a girl. I always dreamed to have a girl one day as well. I had secretly thought I was having a girl... maybe one day I will.

It is not happening right NOW for me. But one day I pray it will.
 I know there is a time and reason when one day I will understand.

Thank you for your sweet words, prayers, and goodies.
I am truly blessed.

P.S. I forced myself to get dressed, straighten my hair, and even slap on some red lipstick if nothing else. It fealt good. I took some photos and had good conversation with friends. I even had a friend who came over and helped me plan my healing garden... can't wait to share that with you.

One step in front of the other.
besitos,
xoxo

and that is exactly what I did....

I told you I was in the mood to art journal... and that is exactly what I have been doing lately. 

I decided to make this new little journal (check out here how I made it) my Gratitude Book. It is a place where I can put all the daily things I am grateful for. I printed off my Instagram photos and decided to use those to represent all the things I am grateful for.

I am grateful for being able to make a wish on a dandelion every time I see one.

 I am especially grateful Little Man also loves to stop and blow dandelions with me. 

 

I am grateful for my education. 

I am even more grateful that I get to spend the majority of my time home with my little man.

I am grateful for my husband and his ideas. Crazy and not crazy.

I am grateful for being able to enjoy downtown Boise. 

I love going to the farmer's market.

I am grateful for autumn walks.

I am grateful for being a mother.

 I am especially grateful that Little man still lets me hold his hand. 

 I am grateful for cupcakes and Oreos. 

Especially when it is an Oreo cupcake.

I am grateful for my art gratitude journal.

 Read more on how I made these pages here on Howdoesshe.com

xo