mindful monday

                                              {an image, a quote, a thought, a focus to our week }

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

where in the world are nancy + eva????

Our bookcases, shelves, knick knacks and a pair of clogs.

A while back Nancy shared about a major change to our studio time. The lease on our space was up and we had to decide what to do. Neither of us wanted to lose our time creating together. Nancy expressed her concern to her sweet Jay. He encouraged her to bring it home! They did some very creative rearranging and made space for our studio time in the downstairs of their home. Everyone thought it was a crazy idea, me included! I worried about invading their home, interfering with their daily rhythm and in general being in their way.

Nancy's side,which she has already rearranged.

Always have to have tunes.

All my worries were for nothing. We have become a part of their daily, weekly rhythm as they have ours. The rhythm and energy is different than in our old space.  The biggest change is that one day a week my children accompany me to the space. Nancy's children and mine play beautifully together. Their day is filled with Lego adventures, outdoor schemes, LOTS of drawing, reading of Calvin and Hobbes and the occasional XBox fest. Their overheard conversation makes me chuckle as I work and their busy energy helps carry me along. Most days the only time we see them is at lunch time. I then come by myself on the other day. It is a quiet day. Nancy's kiddos drop in one at a time, to say hello and check in on the progress of my projects. They each have their own opinions and are never afraid to share. I enjoy them and delight in their thought process.

My inspiration boards.

Getting my 30 minutes in.

The other really, major change is  we have decided  to NOT pursue selling things or holding classes. We examined our motives, realizing we do enjoy teaching classes and like creating stuff, the two main motivators though were the feeling that we needed to have a purpose,a practical goal and the making of money. We needed an income to pay for the lease. Now, here we are in our sparkly studio, with NO lease. Now what do we do?

                                                                 

                                                                      WE  PLAY!!!!

The multipurpose dining, hanging out, sitting area. Oh, and behind the table a bookcase. There is a matching one on the other side.

  We  have decided, for the time being, to pursue our passions. We want to try new things, explore and dare I say it, let ourselves develop into genuine artists. It feels wild and free. It is a little bit scary too, but isn't every great adventure scary? So,come back to this little space every once in awhile and check in on us, watch us as we grow. If we haven't posted in awhile, ask us how we are doing, hold us accountable to our crazy dream. And by all means, please share your adventures with us. We would love to know what you are doing.

mindful monday

                                        { an image, a quote, a thought, a focus to our week }

                    " Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution,
                                          the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it."
                                                      -Steven Pressfield, theWarofArt

focus

I have been carefully reading my way through some New Year  thoughts from a few amazing women. It helps to have someone come alongside and ask the right question, say it in a new way, challenge you.

• 20 Questions for Reflecting on Your 2011: It really helps to look at where you have been, to plan where you will go. Practical, as Tsh Oxenreider's writings usually are, these questions will really get you thinking. They make a great party game,too!                                                               
• 5 Steps to Making New Year's Resolutions : Ann Vos Kamp is gifted with cutting straight to the heart. Every single time. Her nakedness is a balm to this women's heart. I too, feel impotent to change. I too, struggle with self-striving. Her answer is perfect and beautiful.

• A 12 Word Post on Selecting Goals for the New Year,  Goal Setting Tips for the New-from a 7 Year Old: Its her words,Kat from Inspired to Action, I keep coming back to. It is words that have helped me thus far make what could have been very hard descions simple.

• Design the Life You Want: I don't always agree with everything Lori says but this post is a real winner. We all need to be reminded that we really are in charge.sharp focus.

I have been chewing on these words the past month. They have been challenging. Their words have helped me put my year into perspective and given it a very sharp focus. Have you used January to put things into perspective? What resources did you find helpful?

mindful monday

                                     {an image, a quote, a thought, a focus to our week}

"Some of my greatest victories have been surrenders."

~Terri Cheney