Kids + Art = Wild Flowers on the Prairie

The last two Tuesdays

were a bouquet of wildflowers.

Each unique and colorful in their own way.

Art is always an adventure.

Because you never know

where you will end up

when

you

begin.

Because of that

uncertainty

and

trying new things,

it

requires

courage.

Kids

have

lots.

We can learn much from them

about just getting started.

We spent our time

being silly,

learning to collage with paper and Mod Podge,

adding glitter,

thinking about special people in our lives

and writing those special things down,

making gifts,

blowing bubbles,

dressing up in disguises,

giggling and playing, 

opening our hearts,

and letting people know what we love about them,

giving encouragement,

thinking about things that matter,

more laughter and smiles,

finding a sense of accomplishment,

just having fun,

sparkling up our lives,

and

being the masterpieces we were created to be.

Love and laughter.

Creativity and time.

We did all of it.

Makes my heart full.

I Will Dare ~ Mixed Media Art Class

What are the things that seem to stop you in your tracks?

What holds you back?

What keeps you from moving forward?

The essence of "daring" is faith.

At the core, daring and courage are future focused

and that takes faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

The things that require each person 

to "dare" or "be of good courage"

can be completely opposite,

yet legitimate

depending on the time . . . on the season

one is in.

Or even depending on personality differences.

Saturday, I led a class focused

identification of the things that hold us back,

and making a statement of daring

in the face of scary thoughts or challenging circumstances.

I am using my piece as a place for my family to

remember and celebrate and treasure

daring and courageous moments . . . 

no matter how things turn out.

Sydney already made a bold move

to sing a solo at church on Sunday.

So she wrote it down

and tucked it in the pocket.

Sometimes when we create something

and place it in a prominent place,

it helps us to be intentional about living it.

Inspirational Reading about "Daring & Courage":
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Undaunted by Christine Caine
The Frog and Toad Treasury by Arnold Lobel

The variety in the pieces

were

as divinely beautiful

as

the variety of women

around the tables

at Sturgis Photo & Gifts.

We were brave

in trying new things,

in sharing stories,

in meeting new people,

in taking time out.

Just this morning, my mentor, life-coach, favorite author, and friend,

Joan C. Webb,

"tweeted" this post:

"Courage is doing it frightened." (J.Briscoe) 

Reminds me of Ps. 56:3,

"WHEN I am afraid, I'll trust in You" 

& go on to do what I'm afraid of.

Yes, indeed, Joan!

If you could fill in the blanks,

what would you say?

Even if _________________, I will dare to _______________.

Even though ____________________, I will dare to __________________.

Why not write some statements down?

Talk about it with your family.

Maybe even create a reminder . . . 

Go out and be strong and courageous today!

Take a risk and put yourself out there . . . 

God's grace is with you!

{A huge THANK YOU to the ladies that spent their afternoon with me!}

{Amy & her daughters Megan and Morgan, Linda, Megan, Keri, & Tiffany.}

{And loads of APPRECIATION to Bob Davis & Terri Jo Oedekoven at Sturgis Photo & Gifts

for hosting my class!}

Walking Boots

I'm working "in the studio" this week

and sharing a sneak peek

along with these lovely artists:

I keep backing up my Etsy store re-opening date

because I recently sold out {YAY!} my art,

and it is taking me longer to build up some inventory than I expected.

{Joyful challenge!}

This week I submitted an application

to the South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism.

A big gulp, deep breath, and sending it off it the mail

with knee-knocking, heart-thumping courage.

Even putting a box in the mail

can seem daunting!

Butterflies in the stomach ~ excitement and vulnerability.

So, today, I have been working on this piece

that I am loving.

Loving the themes

of

stepping out,

journey,

adventure.

I'm playing with my new {old} alphabet set

that I bought from GASP studio in Spearfish.

L.o.v.i.n.g. it!

And step-by-step

building up a new body of artwork.

All new.

My new target date to re-open my Etsy shop is now October 10.

What are your goals for October that you are working at step-by-step?