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I am so happy about how this project turned out. I tend to buy things on a whim (working on that bad habit) and this is how I ended with this papier mâché box unused for years… Yes: years !

I integrate personal symbols in all of my art. But most of the time, I hide them in plain sight because they have meaning for me (and the meaning can be different for the person looking at it). I don’t like explaining what I do, to be quite honest with you… But for this specific project, I jumped and decided not to hide my symbols but to make them the focal point. (PS: scroll down for the list of supplies I used, with links).

Sarah’s stencils are simply amazing. The right amount of quirk with a top notch quality. I also used ColourArte products because they are my favorite.

Enjoy the video:

More photos:

Supply list:

 … but be healthy instead.

It is not a secret that a few months ago, I took the plunge and decided to become a BeachBody coach. Why ? Because I believe firmly in their programs, and in the nutrition aspect added to them as well.

Today marks the 80th day of the program I have been doing: it is the final day of it. Yes, I am feeling emotional about it. I am known to give up after a while. Before the end. I find plenty of excuses (“my body aches” “I am exhausted” “I can’t do it” “this is not for me” and so on). So finishing a program is a big deal to me. I have lost about 13 pounds and more than 15 inches all over my body and these inches off are what makes me proud.

You can say whatever you want, I know now for a fact that you can eat as healthy as possible but don’t get your maximum results if you don’t move.

Having a group to belong to in which you share your goals, your achievements and your struggles is a huge part of my success. I have an amazing coach, Carmen, and she needs all the love and praise because I am here now thanks to her.

Why I don’t want to be “beach ready”

In my mind, when I hear “get your Summer body now” or “Start getting your body beach ready” it makes me cringe. Being healthy AND fit is a journey. Sure, I want to be comfortable wearing a bathing suite, but at any time of the year. I refuse to diet anymore. It worked for specific amounts of time but did more damage in the long run.

For me, there are goals to reach but no destination. In the past, I have done about 3 rounds of Whole30 and it helped on the moment. But not on the long term because it is not a continuous way of eating. I tried being paleo but the amount of animal products consumed did not provide what I need. However, I took with me all the ideas to avoid gluten, as I noticed it inflamed my body (I live with Fibromyalgia and IBS, amongst other stuff). I want to eat in a sustainable way, to find what works for me. I decided to stop finding a box to fit in. Just do me because my body is working as it is and does not need a box.

Leading by example

We won’t say it, but we all watch each other. Not necessarily with intention, and not in a creepy way. But we do. I am the mom of two daughters, currently age 11 and almost 13. It’s the age when they start to see changes in their bodies and to compare it with other girls. I don’t know why we do this to ourselves.

What makes me continue is the unexpected “I am proud of you Mama” or “Can I workout with you today ?” from them. Because I want them to know that food is fuel and fun, that cooking is not that complicated if you stick to it even when you mess up a meal. I want my daughters to be comfortable in their own skin, no matter what. It’s okay to want to change, too.

When you avoid seeing your beautiful self in the mirror, it is a sign change needs to happen. You deserve to cherish the reflection of you in that mirror.

I am so happy to share with you today the second episode of my {Inspired By} video series. Mindy is a dedicated artist sharing her love for techniques in online and in-person classes.

I had the chance to meet her twice at workshops and she is even funnier in person ! I am blessed to have found her when I did, not long before she released her first online class, Paint Your Story.

Here’s the video:

I related to her characters at first sight. The soft intensity in their eyes and expression has something unique. They have a child-like quality. This is something essential that Mindy taught me over the year: never leave the child you once were behind. Her stories, her trials, her pain, her simple joys are what makes you you today.

Mindy explores techniques so she can get through what gives her a hard time.

And don’t forget her sweet southern accent 😀

Yes, I do have a big girl crush on her, but who wouldn’t ?

SUPPLIES I used for this project:

In the past few months (okay… maybe couple years), I have been less present in my Studio. I explained why in this blogpost, if you are curious. But making art has always been something I have needed…

In our previous home, I used to be in my Teal Studio every Saturday and Sunday morning, pretty early. I am a morning person and love this time alone. It was my own Church. My moment to dive into my creative self to do whatever I was feeling like doing, because I could.

But since we moved across the country in the summer of 2016, doing it feels like an indulgence. Something rare that I cherish when it does happen.

I am in Mindy Lacefield‘s newest classes, and this morning I painted along one of her lesson from Blurred Edges. It feels like coming back to my roots: texture, gesso, ink sprays, scribbles, mess.

I have met Mindy twice so far but know in my bones that she is a Soul that my own recognized. I love her deeply.

Letting a face emerge from the chaos.

Every single painting and art journaling page goes through an ugly stage. All of them. And this is because I learned not to get too attached but to love the process that I know it is only temporary.

Chaos is necessary, this is where clarity comes from. Where the stories linger before emerging to the surface.

A few more pictures from this morning art journaling session:

It’s not a secret, when I started making art again (around 2009), I was very careful. I sketched the entire painting, then layered color after color etc. It was not working that well for me though because I was too tightened up in my creativity.

Let it flow through your hands

Perfection is just a dream. Nothing ever is truly perfect. I start a creative session by sitting within myself (for so to speak) and be thankful for whatever is going to come out this day. It may simply start with an intention, but sometimes (often) it is also coupled with words. I don’t plan. I start and just feel the artwork. I don’t like what’s happening ? I cover it up. Until it speaks to my Soul and I adore it.

It is not always an easy ride. But once I am tuned in, I don’t look back to my old ways.
Let. It. Go !!!
Something I created and love might looks very flawed to you. And that’s totally okay: art is subjective.

Art is made to make you FEEL something. Whatever that is. Even when it is a negative emotion like disgust, it is still something.

You can not control how others will react to your art, if you share it into the world. And sharing is a big step, that is not always easy.

Be a channel

Your beliefs are your own. I don’t believe in God in the Christian/Catholic way, I however do believe in a Higher Power. You can also say that this Higher Power is simply your intuition, your guiding voice that needs to be expressed.

I do believe I am just a channel to what need to be birthed to the world. And it helped me not to stay too attached to my paintings.

Each of them, even the abstract ones, have a story for you. And I guess this is what connects them to us.