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A woman has three hearts…

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Naomi

… one that she shares with the world, one that she shares with her family, and one that she shares only with herself. It’s an old Chinese proverb. I’m taking Christy Tomlinson‘s She Had Three Hearts workshop all about how we share those hearts differently with different people. Sometimes we hold them in and not share them. Each of the three weeks of the workshop covers one part of the proverb through art journaling.

I’ve never done art journaling and now that I’ve begun, I’m wondering why not. It’s surprisingly freeing and creative and just plain fun. Christy shares a ton of techniques in the class. In week 1, there are 28 technique videos! Holy moly. What are the best journals to use? What is gesso and why use it? How to add basic color to your pages quickly with paints, ephemera, pastels, gelatos, paint sticks, pencils, image transfer, etc. Good stuff!

And I have to say, I had fun shopping for new supplies too. Hee hee.

* * * * *

We all have different sides of ourselves that we show different people. Why do I share the best parts of me either here on the blog or with certain people but not with the most important people in my life??? My daughter gets most of my patience, which means there isn’t much left for my husband or even myself! Sometimes I give so much all day to friends and to writing and to my daughter (being silly, learning new things, sharing wisdom and frustrations) and then all that’s left at the end of the day is exhaustion or anger.

This first week is all about the heart we share with the world. I give the world my kindness, my generosity, my creativity… but I do not always give those things to myself or to my family. What about you???

Sometimes the way I am portraying myself…

… differs from the way I am seen. I don’t think of myself as sweet or particularly cheerful, but others do!

What parts of you does the world get to see? Is that authentic?

Did you see my guest post on Kind Over Matter? It’s all about how we talk to ourselves. Let me know what you think!

You can see more “Behind the Art” posts here.

Posted in Behind the Art, Creativity, E-courses | Tagged art journaling, Christy Tomlinson, family, fun, journaling, journals, life, paint, patience, people, She Had Three Hearts | 8 Comments

A tale as old as time: princess stereotypes

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Naomi

I am filled to the brim with excitement… I have a guest post on Kind Over Matter today!

She slides her adorable painted toes into the ornate plastic shoes with heels and bows. On her 4-year-old head is a sparkly tiara. Her tiny hands are adorned with rings and bracelets. She declares confidently, “I am Cinderella and I’m going to the ball tonight.”

My sweet girl has finally gotten the princess bug… I suppose it was only a matter of time. That’s her in the photo above in her tap shoes and new Cinderella shirt (which she insists on wearing day and night). Many of her friends have known all the movies backwards and forwards for years, dressing up as the princesses for Halloween or birthday parties. At our house, we do watch a little TV, but it’s mostly been Nick Jr. programs. I liked it better when she wanted to be a doctor or a smoothie maker.

And so my sweet girl urgently wants to know who all these lovely ladies are. What are their names, what do they wear, what do they like, when can we get their movies and when can we get on a plane and meet them in person??? I guess she’s like her momma in that once she gets something in her head, there’s no stopping her. So we’ve watched a couple movies, but she isn’t really that interested. Mostly we read stories about them and watch some YouTube clips of the slower songs at bedtime.

Like a moth to a flame, she can sense where this stuff is in a store and goes right to it.

I’m fine with all this. Really. At least we waited until she discovered them on her own. She still has no idea who Barbie is with her thick makeup and proportions all wrong. So it’s fine.

But here’s what I want her to know:

You will always be complete just as you are. You don’t need a fairy godmother to come along and transform you into something you are not. Your eyes already sparkle with beauty and truth and you already radiate happiness as you dance around the house in your little tap shoes. Rarely (if ever) will your survival depend on your physical beauty. Why kill yourself wearing high heels and uncomfortable gowns? No amount of external change can alter your insides… and your insides are beautiful. Let them love who you are on the inside.
These princesses do not write books, sway courtrooms, or lead teams to victory. They largely stay home and passively wait for “success” to find them, all while looking pretty. Sure, someday a prince may come and you may want to share your life with him. Until then (and before then and after then), live a full life. Follow your dreams, pursue your interests, learn how to do things by yourself. You don’t need a cute guy with a flying carpet… get an education and make your dreams happen.
Just like Belle in Beauty and the Beast, do not be afraid to look beneath the surface in people. However, the way a person treats others is a good indication of how he/she will treat you.
Notice how these women stand up tall, eyes open and bodies confident. They have the same spark of life that you have. They are sometimes frightened but largely undaunted by change or adventure. They have a sense of humor. They go after what they want (though what they want seems questionable to me). While single, they are not submissive or overly-reliant on anyone. Imagine if they truly tried to use their gifts to improve the world around them…
There’s no place (that I know of) where life is a continual stream of enchantment and happy-ever-afters. Most people have to work hard to achieve success. Mommy and Daddy have to work on our marriage – we don’t sing ballads and swoon over each other (but wouldn’t that be lovely?). Even though we pay someone to help us clean our kitchen and bathrooms, we don’t think of ourselves as better than that person. All people’s lives involve some form of struggle or unhappiness.
Do not abandon your principles, your friends, your family, or yourself for any one person. I learned this one the hard way.

Sweet girl, I can see that you are trying to grow up and find your own identity outside of your parents. We applaud that independence. But there are many, many steps between preschool and marriage! I much prefer it when you play “grocery store” or “bank.” You can take control of your future in other ways than through artificial gender roles and archaic views of ethnicity, race, and class.

If you call home someday and tell me that a prince came along and swept you off your feet, I may have some questions for you. 🙂

I found this humorous look at the princesses here.

Posted in Kindness, Motherhood, Writing | Tagged beauty, Cinderella, Disney, home, Kind Over Matter, life, people, princess, success, time | 19 Comments

Photo Friday: springtime

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Naomi

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest.” ~ Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”
~ Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Posted in Photo Friday | Tagged Ernest Hemingway, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Photo Friday | 6 Comments

Simplifying my online persona

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Naomi

Update: With the anticipated absence of Google Reader, I’ve decided to subscribe to the blogs I love the most (via e-mail and Mac Mail’s RSS reader).

I used to tell anyone and everyone how much I love Google Reader for keeping up with my favorite blogs. I do love it still, but I haven’t been using it anymore because the number of blogs I follow has gotten completely out of hand. I subscribe to hundreds of blogs there and the “unread posts” count was sky high. So over the last few weeks, I started at the top with my “artistic inspiration” folder and methodically worked through all the posts until I got to my “writing” folder. Each day I would read any new posts that came up in my already cleared categories and then start anew. I have some sorted into classes I’ve taken and my “Friends from Behind the Scenes” and “One Little Word” folders were particularly daunting!

In the process, I subscribed to e-mail updates of a few of my favorites, many of which you saw in Monday’s list of my friend Robyn’s favorite blogs. They come to my inbox, I read them and comment if I want to, and delete. The ones left in Google Reader are there for a rainy day when I have nothing else to do… never gonna happen.

My “life” online has gotten busier and busier. I find that when my daughter is in preschool, I can spend the entire time on my laptop if I let myself. Checking e-mail and editing pictures is a must, writing new blog posts and replying to comments is a priority every day, and catching up with whatever classes I’m taking is just plain fun.

I enjoyed catching up with many many friends but I have to tell you… I unsubscribed to quite a few blogs. I simply can’t keep up, nor do I want to. I must simplify or I predict I’ll be tied to my computer for more and more hours a day. The friends that I want to interact with are those to whom I feel an authentic connection. I want this blog to be a vibrant community and I want to be able to know you as you know me. If you comment here, I want to be able to take the time to reply thoughtfully and to know more about who you are. I want to visit your blog, etc. So the random book review and photography blogs are no longer on my radar.

Social media can be awesome (who doesn’t love Pinterest?) but it seems we can cast a very wide net if we let ourselves. I also started “tweeting” in December (gosh that sounds dumb) and immediately found myself following people and news sites that clogged up my feed with info I don’t really need to know. So I have to figure out how to best use that too or I’m going to go insane. 🙂

My strategy (if you can call it that) for being in the world thus far has been to consciously ignore most external stimuli. I am very sensitive to negative news stories, quite prone to extreme worrying, and love my own company. So I rarely turn on the tv, look at Facebook, or go out with groups of people. (Thankfully, my hubby tells me if there’s anything I need to know.) For awhile, I had a good balance, but now I notice I need to simplify again.

Tell me how you manage to keep your life online in check.

Posted in Home, Mindfulness | Tagged blogs, computer, Google Reader, online, people, pictures, simplify, time, writing | 20 Comments

Sharing a list of favorite blogs

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Naomi

My friend Robyn has put together an amazing list of her favorite blogs, each with something special to share in her own way, and I’m thrilled to be on her list. Robyn says “each of these blogs touched me in some way – amazement at their photos, their words, and for some the two together! She asked us to share this list if we’d like, and I am all about spreading the love. I follow most of these myself!

Picture each writer hovering over that “publish” button for just a moment, wondering if this will resonate with someone else. Please leave some comments for the writers and let them know if you like them. They’d love to hear from you!

I hope you find something you’ll enjoy. Without further ado, here’s Robyn’s list:

Adventures in Laughter With 3 boys there is always lots of activity in Robyn’s life. At her blog she shares stories of their adventures, poetry and maybe a photo or two.
Stacie Jewelry Stacie Spencer is an amazing jewelry designer! You will want to check out her blog and Etsy store for sure! For more inspiration, stop by on Monday’s for Make a Difference Monday.
New Mercies I See Denise Powers Fabian will open your eyes to the beauty around you. After reading her blog and seeing her photos, you will find gratitude in so many of your daily activites!
My Corner Through My Lens Cathy Sly shares her stories of life through her camera and poems that will make you reread them once or twice not wanting to miss any of the meaning!
Paisley Rainboots Following Sarah Huzienga’s blog is like sitting and talking with a friend from childhood! Share in her daily thoughts and pictures.
Kelly Bradley Lives Well Looking for healthy tips and ways to stay inspired? Check out Kelly Bradley’s blog to jump start your new year’s resolutions!
tiny buddha Lori Deschene not only shares words of wisdom and guidance but she also invites you to share her space with your thoughts as well. How nice is that?
Desktop Dreams Grab your coffee and get comfy as you browse Viv Halliwell’s photos! You’ll want to sit for a while to take them all in.
a flash of … inspiration Keep that coffee hot, to keep enjoying more beautiful photos, this time from Helen Whitaker.
Photographically Speaking While we’re at it, here are more photographs that will make you want to grab your camera and take a photowalk! Thanks Terri Porter for the inspiration!
Girlfriendology Girlfriendology says it best themselves, “Who better to trust for advice and reviews than your girlfriends, right?!” Check out their page and blog for information, resources and advice!
Rawmindfulness As a student of Buddhism and a yoga instructor, Annie Mahon, provides much for you to think about in her blog. Be sure to have a few minutes after reading her posts to just sit, think, and enjoy the words she shares.
Melody Lea Lamb If you want to see the cutest drawings of animals you’ve come to the right place! Melody’s love of art and animals are combined into her artwork and etsy store!
Pride in Photos Stop by to see Laurie Sriver’s beautiful photos and read about her blog. Don’t miss the adorable photos of her new grandson!
Justine Gordon Photography Get ready to be amazed at some beautiful photos! As I was writing this, I got lost in Justine’s blog looking at all the captured beauty!
Living In A Still Life Jessica Maleski may be the mother of seven, but she still finds time to capture beautiful photos and to post them to her blog!
From Processed to Pure Donna Baumon shares her knowledge of healthy eating. You may rethink your dinner menu after reading Donna’s tips and get ready for some good healthy cooking!
Old Back Porch Patrice has beautiful photography, shares tutorials, and digital scrapbooking ideas. There’s always something to see and learn here!
In Lilith’s Grove Sue Jorgenson shares the mysteries and beauties of the Universe as she sees them.
Janet Hovde, Artist and Healer Janet is an artist and a healer. Stop by her blog to see how she connects art, healing, intuition and life.
Learn+Explore+Share Heather Koshiol shares her discoveries as she follows her hearts true path. I’m sure some of these experiences will resonate with you as well!
Kadee Willow Reading Kadee’s post is like sitting down with an old friend. As she shares her thoughts and photos from her day.
Meg Boone Meg, a happiness instigator, will help you find creativity in your life! She shares honestly and openly on her blog. Take a look for yourself and find your creativity!
Poetic Aperture Naomi has so much to share! You never know exactly what you will find – gorgeous photos, interesting posts, or even a post explaining how she conducted her friends wedding! You do know it will be interesting!
MomTini Lounge As a parent if you are looking for some guidance, some inspiration to get your life back in order, then you’ve come to the right place! Amy Smith will help you find that groove again. As the mother of 3 boys, she has plenty of experience!
I’m a Late Bloomer So many of us stumble upon life’s path and then find our way later in life. Teresa Cash shares these stories of late bloomers. You can find inspiration here plus if you are alate bloomer, it’s nice to know you are not alone!
A Smile Maker Teresa is busy blogging her as well! Check out her beautiful art work which will inspire you to share a smile with others!
Susie’s Heart Path Suzie Itstein shares her knowledge of finding love and inspiration for your day. She shares ways to find more love in her life and yours as well.
Sasha Cagen As the author of Quirkyalone, Sasah Cagen takes you on her journey through life discovering what matters in life and romance looking for that possibility of quirkyalone to quirkytogether.
Lanier Scott Isom Lanier is an author and journalist. On her site she shares links to her many articles that she has written, as well as to her first book. Stay tuned…another is in the making!
Catching Sundust For beautiful pictures to inspire you to grab your camera and get outside, stop by to see Bec’s photos! Make sure your walking shoes are on when you do stop by!
Here to There Journey to Joyful Living Terry Gassett is a life coach who can help you find joy in your life journey! If that’s something that sounds good to you be sure to stop by!
be*you*tiful reflections Danielle Kallinovskis Evans shares openly and honestly on her journey in life through self portraits. Sharing her stories she hopes to help inspire other women who just may need that extra lift to their life.
Gallery Dee Elissa Dee shares her artistic journey of mixed media on her blog. Her artwork is so gorgeous to see the pieces she makes and the photography as well!
Me and My Empty Nest Lisa Farrar shares the stories of her empty nest, finding more time in her days and enjoying the times when her kids are home now.
Life Behind the Purple Door Cate, the mother of four, still has time to post on her blog! Four kids gives lots to write about! You can also find resources for other ideas and a countdown to Christmas!
Wood Rabbit Journey Every day ideas and beautiful pictures are recorded here for all time. Inspired by a Grandmother who typed her memories a the typewriter so all the details wouldn’t be forgotten, here’s the modern day take on recording memories!
Freshly Hatched Studio If you like scrapbooking, journals, invitations and all things paper related, here’s the site for you! Amelia Woodbridge shares all her ideas here with you!
My HR Life If you work in HR or have questions, ideas about HR, there is even a blog just for you! Joey Kolasinsky shares her thoughts on HR and more!
LaRock Star Creative Lizzie Larock
A Moving Story Everything was predictable in Kimberley Sundy’s life until… they moved to Mexico! Somewhere totally new for her and now you can follow along as she begins her unpredictable life!
Andi’s People Andi Schroeder makes the cutest greeting cards and stationary! Don’t forget to check out her blog as you get caught up in looking at all the cute pictures she has created!
Sweet Blue Sky Kelly Walsh Loss looks for the silver lining of everyday. That’s in between work, raising kids, and everything else in between!
Bright Eyes Reflections Maribeth Doerr has experienced a lot in her life. As a grievance counselor she shares these experiences and teaches how to handle these painful situations for yourself and for others.
Still and All Sherry Galey’s photos are beautiful! Come see the photos and read the stories behind them as well! Don’t forget to stop by her card shop for some post cards! It’s always nice to find the old fashioned snail mail in your mailbox!
Josephine Hands by the Handful Josephine Hands is a mixed media artist, mom and blogger. The last time I stopped by she was sharing lines from her diary from her teenage years! It was like reminiscing with an old friend!
Make Believe Boutique Stephanie’s blog shares beautiful pictures with words of wisdom. Take a moment to observe the pictures, read her posts and spend the next few minutes digesting it all!
My Healthy Life With MS Nicolle Burke was 26 when she was diagnosed with MS. Her blog lends support for others living with MS – an inspiration for each day! It’s also a place for those without MS to stop by and read as well!
Not Tidy Yvonne Aris sums up life for her as not tidy. What a great way to put the hustle and bustle of today – not tidy! She adds humor to her stories – read the edits and after thoughts on her post about her hair color! Very funny!
imaginary garden with real toads If you like writing prompts, then you will want to bookmark this blog! You’ll get prompts during the week, plus open Monday to post a poem you want to share, and linky parties so you can read other poems and meet other bloggers as well! Stop by just to read or link your poem too!
Poets United Another site with writing prompts! Get your pen, your paper, your computer and get ready to write! The prompts will get those wheels turning for sure! Also stop by to learn about famous poets, or maybe you have a poem you’ve written that you want to share on Sunday’s in the Poetry Pantry. Every day there’s something new and interesting going on!
Stardreaming with Sherry Blue Sky In my finding of poetry prompts and blogs, here is a site that combines them all! Time to warm up that coffee or tea, and make time to sit and enjoy Sherry’s writings and photos!
Footprints of a Curious Mind Farizah Sedek’s blog shares fine art and travel photography from her life. If you want to travel but don’t have the time, stop by here to get a glimpse of places you just might want to make time to travel to!
Christina Masterman– Christina describes herself as a lover of words. Her words will leave you feeling inspired! When you need some words to lift you up, I highly recommend making some time to read Christina’s blog.
One Single Impression – another great site for writing prompts! Writing prompts are posted on Sunday, although you can check their calendar if you want to get started early on your poems. Lots of great prompts to get you thinking and other poets to check out as well!
Mag Pie Tales Another site with prompts to get you inspired to write! Tess Kincaid posts pictures for your prompt. Not only is there a weekly prompt, but you also get to read other poems. Tess’s prompts can inspire your own poetry writing while learning about other artist as well.
Way Station One You will for sure want to stop by to read Brian Miller’s poetry! I don’t know how Brian does it, but he manages to visit, support and comment so many bloggers! How nice is that? Grab a seat, and enjoy his poems!
dverse~ Poets Pub – Open links and poetry prompts all here in this one pub!
ABC Wednesday – The prompts here follow the alphabet. It’s easy to participate, simply link back to ABC Wednesday, and introduce your post with “X is for__________”.
Show My Face the home to Six Word Saturdays. Link your 6 words and then read the other posts as well. Don’t worry if you add an explanation or more, it’s all good!
Two Shoes Tuesday Josie shares a prompt and you do the rest. Write your words and link up on Tuesdays!

Posted in Writing | Tagged blogs, Mag Pie Tales, One Single Impression, Poets United | 6 Comments

Photo Friday: humorous moments

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Naomi

These are just a few images from a brunch outing my hubby and I took last weekend. I snapped them surreptitiously because they made me smile. I hope they do the same for you.