Simple Abundance

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: They try to have more things , or money in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier .The way it actually works is the reverse .You must first be who you really are, then , do what you need to do, in order to have what you want. 

-Margaret Young

United we Stand

We as woman much more then men know the importance of supporting each other .It is a gift we are born with. As we entered the work force we were forced to compete with men and for years ,and maybe still  our pay scales  reflect  that competition.  I just read JULIE'S ART LIFE  this morning commenting  on how the paintings  she created had been  influenced by so many artist and she named them, how wonderfully thoughtful, yet her work was soooo her!! That is how art is created we SHARE and so grow. Never fear sharing it can only grow into something good!!  She said it  takes a village to create art  TRUE!!. This in turn  reminded  me of my dear friend  Jane Pollack  She has a charity business that is called "Art takes a village"  she gives  creative workshops that help women  with addictions . Now I have another friend Karen Valentine. Karen is very talented. She loves beauty, old things and knows how to but it all together in a very  stylish, professional look. She recently lost her job and has creatively come up with a new plan to hopefully fill the need to make an income and to do what  she loves -Blog design- and is she good at it !!!! Here is her site . Valentine Designs  I have watched the followers just flock to Karen's  own blog it is a warm , beautiful blog,  filled with much sharing, beauty and love . My point is that we as women need to support each other, help each other grow and most of all share . I am asked about this when I teach art . At first when you learn something new like say when you take an art class , learn,  a new  technique from a self teach book, etc... it  may feel like  being a mimic or the dreaded work "copy" But that is how we learn it is the old and tried way and it works. We then over come our fears if we stay with the process and find  our own  artistic voice and this is done  when the process  continues  by  sharing. I always  learn new things from my students and taking classes.  I hope I am never to old to learn as I love to grow and learn and I need others to help me do so .  Where would we be if no one ever supported each other and  shared  each others   ideas and everyone just lived in isolation. I for one might have saddle sores or worse yet no saddle at  all and be sitting  in the dark. ( but I must say I would have loved no telephone. My how I  hate that thing!) Think about it, we as woman can do so much for each other when we work together . So woman go forth create, share and  support each other! United we stand and divided we fall. ! Look how far we have all come with just blogging and what  we have done for each other with our blogs  Way to go... keep up the good LOVE !!!!  ALL my  love and support to every one OF YOU !!!! Hugs Julie

A Brush with magic

For the past 10 days I have been traveling in  the state of  Washington and  the last portion was  without internet service. Hence once again I am behind in blogging  and visiting blogs.   My eyes have not feasted on so much moisture in ages !!! Moss grows in  all shades of greens against  backdrops of  rust and browns .  Mist floats in the spring air!! My first  stop took me to Terri  Brush's tranquil country home in Cehalis Washington . 3 days filled with soft rain ,bits of blue sky, sunshine   and evenings sounds of crickets and spring peepers ( tiny spring frogs). From the moment  I walked  into Terri's  home  I was greeted by old friends  I had just meet . Terri had invited them all over  for a surprise birthday party for me!!! Candlelight, wine ,   and a house of treasures surrounded me and an  awesome feast was set before us .   Warm conversation filled the evening  with harmony ! Terri's home and heart where  a pure joy  for the soul . Touches of lovingly created  and artful vignettes  filled every room  from wonderful artist  and artwork I adore .  I  slept  in big  cozy bed like a queen . The nights magical  dining room was  transformed  into a light filled studio during the next 2 days of the  workshops I was lucky to teach. My students embraced  their fears and  jumped  past them to learn new techniques and in doing so  created work that gave me goose pumps as I was so proud of them and their creations  .   The time flew by so fast and I was having so much fun that I forgot to take  a lot of pictures ( Plus  I was busy running my mouth).   You must pop over to Terri's  site  and her blog   for a visit and to see what she has planned and is up too. If you ever are in   her area  please consider  taking a workshop as this is not just about taking a class but  about a day of  stimulating  your  senses with art , food , friendship and  beauty .Trust me this can become habit forming. Oh when you pop over to Terri's  link from there to the Art Camps on the beach. I get to go back in the fall and teach at the fall   Art Camp . After the weekend at  Terri's it was on to  teaching at Art Fest in Port Townsend !!! I  think am ready for a  tv show "Julie's  artful Journey"...   Sound fun???

, 

Terri ,our Hostest

 

Night magic 

                                                                    Day light and art

Spring moss

                             

A few of the "enchanted" pieces created. See what I said , they are simply wonderful!!!

 This is spelled BRUSH but it means Welcome

Gift from God

The last year for me has been one of major challenges ,with that always comes the doubts the questions and the soul searching. Hopefully with all of this, one comes out a wiser stronger and better person. For me that would be the hope that I would learn to take things a little more as they come and just know and trust my God given intuition . The last few days have been ones of peace for me as I feel a little stronger in knowing that what  ever the answers have been, I trust they are the right ones for me and have come from a higher source . My sister leads her day with the thought  that when she lays  her head down on the pillow at night, she rest in the assurance that her actions of the day have been motivated by  what  will bring her peace that night. I have been trying to follower her lead and it seems to be working. Let go let god !! Thanks Lorrie for your wise example. You are a gift from God too!!

In Memory of Renee

Sometimes our candles burn the brightest just before they go out. This post is  for Renee her family and for all those affected by cancer . My heart is with you. circling my head

Classes for Washington area folks !!

The house is filling up again with kits for classes . In less then 2 weeks I head to Chehalis March 20  21   to teach. Normally my skin would be craving some moisture but we have had tons of rain here this winter. Well, any way we still have a few  open spaces in the class "Rusted Whimsy"  on March 21 You will have enough in your kit to  to make 2 fun images with frames .You will  learn some  dry brush painting and collaging  .The use of aging   and adding detail with a stabilo pencil and how to make whim-some faces and the oh so wonderful real rusting technique  too!!!Chehalis is about 1 1/2 hours from Portland and Seattle. Terri our host has wonderful studio and serves us lunch as we create.  She is available to answer  any questions you may have too. Terris Studio and contact info 

Walking Rusty and Steampunk Lily

Some of you know I am venturing out and teaching in the bigger venues! I just got back from Art and Soul in Las Vegas and I must say I was blown away at the students .They taught me. Well, Glenny added me to the Art and Soul line for Portland and Virginia. Virginia is a long shot as I am late to get on the teaching list so we thought we would give it a try. It is a chance for any of you who live on the eastern side of our country to take a class form me .We are offering 2= Walking Rusty and Steam punk Lily .These are the images. If you have never done one of these art retreats you are missing out on the best of times!! They are life changing at least they have been for me when I took my fisrt years ago at Art Fest

Walking Rusty

Steam punk Lily