Hi!…It’s me….

It’s been too long…Not by choice…my dinosaur, I mean computer, decided to die.  I’m happy to say, I’ve adopted a new one, so I guess this is the birth announcement! It’s a love hate relationship at this point.

I’m jumping up and down at the thought of the new pictures and stories that I get to share with you in the coming weeks.

In the mean time, in keeping with my theme, of refoundesign, the refinding of objects, ideas, self, I’m going with self today…

To be honest, I felt sad all day…with many life changes, I felt a bit off…after recently moving, things in boxes and traveling, it seems, feeding my soul hasn’t been top on my list.  Can you relate?  One thing I can say for sure is this, I know what I need to feed my soul.  One way would be a good book store, coffee, along with good music (antiquing too!)  Something happens internally as I meander amongst literary works…inspiring…I love the atmosphere.  I love all the inspirational quotation plaques scattered about cheering me on.  Cheesy, but true.  Hey, if you can find something that stimulates your creatively, run with it…

As an artist, I feel so strongly, the need to share.  Sharing comes in so many shades.  I remember years ago doing a ladies bible study.  A lady complemented me, saying, “I love that you are able to share your past hurts, current hurts and the overcoming of them.  You are courageous “.  Courageous…..I’ll take that…

I like encouragement.  With that compliment came a personal responsibility.  I feel a personal responsibility to continue to grow in a positive way.  Even in hard times.  Also, to inspire, and to be inspired.  To savor what life presents…

I love the bit of savory that I picked up today. I have to share:)

It’s a book by Brene Brown called, Rising Strong.  Brene is a Social Scientist and researcher.  I pulled this from her book and am loving it.

“Walking into our stories of hurt can feel dangerous, but the process of regaining our footing in the midst of struggles is where our courage is tested and our values are forged”.

Courage, forging…I see a future painting coming to fruition.

To add to the story, I’m so blessed to have taken a mixed media art class with Kelly Rae Roberts, now beginning my second, if you want more inspiration, look her up.  What was interesting, I love when you begin to see the life web that has been woven, coming together.  Kelly Rae is friends with Brene Brown.

As I left the book store with a few inspirations; A book by Mrs. Brown, a plaque by Kelly Rae, I left with something even greater, personal growth, and feeling filled.

Until very soon….

Heather

and a little more…

Brene Brown’s book jacket….

The irony is that we attempt to disown our difficult stories to appear more whole or more acceptable, but our wholeness – even our wholeheartedness- actually depends on the integration of all of our experiences.  Including the falls.

Brene Brown