Happy 2009

A day or two early but wanted to wish you all a great start to 2009. Or as I have heard recently- 2009 is gonna be fine! Let's all hope that there is truth in that!


Seems like we all have in common trying to find Balance in our lives- I know this is an ongoing and ongoing issue for me!


I'm trying something new starting this week. As soon as I get up (5:30-ish) and have a bit of coffee, I do my daily speed walk (for exercise and reflection time). I decided this morning that as I am walking each day I will state out loud three "intentions" for the day- and try to make the three "creative" intentions (in a broad way), not just practical stuff.
So my three for today are:

• put my new small lanterns up in my studio- the colors make me happy and inspire me


• Take four photographs of new work with my new backdrop


• start on my wirework, fabic brooches- at leats bend a little wire for them

Happiest of New Years! Dayle

Greetings, Babes!

My name is Jenny, and I met Shannon a few years ago through a painting group. I am honored to be an official Artist Babe!

I'm also very excited to meet people who live/have lived in Boulder, as I'm getting ready to apply to Naropa University to the Transpersonal Psychology in Art Therapy program. The painting I posted is an "intention" for my new year...seeing myself in Colorado by the end of '09.

I am currently a web artist and painter living in Kansas City and working at the Unity world headquarters, where I've been for almost 10 years (hard to believe.) I host a painting-for-process group, Breathing Color Studio, and am looking to make this kind of work a bigger part of my life and am ready to go back to school. Plus I absolutely LOVE Colorado, mountains, nature, etc.

Look forward to getting to know each of you through this blog, and I wish you a happy and creative new year!

Intentions for the New Year

This is my daughter Natalie and I. I always love this time of year. A time to reflect, make changes, make new choices and really re-focus on what is it that I'm creating with my life. One of my choices for this upcoming year is to be more connected in creative cmty. Shannon, I so appreciate your invitation to all of us to connect and thanks to all of the rest of you for being willing to share and connect. I'm Katia and I live in Prescott, AZ. I met Shannon and Amy in Boulder as we took on a 10 week commitment to do the Artist Way. I feel like a lot of that process seeded my path to where I am today. There are so many ways I could introduce myself and I think for now I'll keep it simple with a recent reflection on creativity and motherhood. My daughter Natatlie just turned 6 months this December. Over the past 6 months I've had little time for my journals, for my artwork (AcaciaArts.etsy.com) or some of my creative projects that I would like to develop to be a source of income in the future. Not only have not had time for creativity, I've struggled with finding time to get on email, clean the showers and just plain old 'making a living'. It's been hard find a new structure and pattern for work and have worked less than I had expected to for the past few months(I mostly work from home). A dear artist friend Laura Tyler reflected to me that for some new mothers work no longer is focused on meaningful work it becomes a way to support your family. This is still a fulfilling purpose. What keeps coming to me as I've been trying to 'figure this all out' is what do I want to create for my daughter? What do I want her to learn from the choices I make in my life? For me part of showing my love for her is to create the beauty that I enjoy, to listen to radio shows I love (Studio 360 and This American Life), to ride and race my bike in the woods and to share all of this with her. I can imagine a time in the future where we'll sit down together for 'painting time'. I look forward to those days and feel gratitude for the inspiration Natalie invokes in me to be creative, connected and playful.

Your Essence

I read this today after my painting class and it just spoke to me.

Eckhart Tolle says:

"Once there is a certain degree of Presence, of still and alert attention in human beings' perceptions, they can sense the divine life essence -- the one in dwelling consciousness or spirit in every creature, every life-form -- recognize it as one with their own essence, and so love it as themselves."

Merry Christmas and Happy Festivous!

Baking Day!

Today Shan, Lindsay, and I are baking in my kitchen.   Fun, great aromas, and love filling the air.  Busy wrapping sweets for holiday gifts.  Amy Grant's Christmas album playing in the background... what could be better than this?

Happiest of Holidays

Hi Artist Babes! I am finally home to CA where we are having a cold snap too but no snow here on the coast- (beautiful picture, Shannon- is that your house?) I'm looking forward to sharing stories- creative and life journey stories- with you all in 2009. Have a wonderful holiday season! Dayle PS This is a page from my large new journal to document my new artwork- Yikes!

Let it snow!

It's snowing today and that really gets me in the Christmas spirit.  I decided to start wrapping presents this morning but didn't get very far.  Wrapping paper, ribbon, scissors, crawling baby and crazy kitty...well...you get the idea.

EnJOY the season.

Gotta Dance

I met Shannon Kinney back in Boulder. During my life in Boulder I started to dance because I loved it not for a recital or my mom or even exercise.

I need that again. I am beginning my search for a dance class that will keep me moving body, mind and spirit. If I say I'm going to do it, then I have to. Keep me to my word.

picture to go with post

Finding A Way

Hi, Lindsey McCoy, FOS (friend of Shannon) from her Boulder days. Currently I live on a small island in the northern Bahamas with my husband and our little boy...I'm sure about me will come, but here's my current "need to blog" post.

Prior to having a child, most of my career work (in the nonprofit world) and creative work was done on my own...as a writer I could hole up and spend hours with the characters I was creating. As the Executive Director, I worked with lots of people, but got to make the call. Now life has evolved such that I am more of a full time Mom than ever expected and my husband and I have a video production company that is the perfect outlet for creativity, as long as I can find a way to express that creativity in the shared process that is video production, working with camera man and editor, my husband, whom I adore in all things but have never worked with in this way. Also finding ways to have more time for myself, and for doing this work, both of which means less time with my son, which I have mixed feelings about. Relief of not being a care-giver 24/7, guilt about that relief, stress at having to work at finding a situation with which i am comfortable and anxiety about this new creative future where it is a shared vision that will be the end result, one that I am not solely responsible for.

Life Long Learner

I am delighted to introduce myself and be a part of the  Artist Babes group, along with my creative daughters, Shannon and Lindsay.  I really must be a babe, as I'm also in a golf group called "Golfer Babes" and "Babes in the Woods".  This is a group of four dear friends who meet for a long weekend once a year, at a cabin.  This photo depicts my nature as a life long learner.  I've been an art teacher for over 30 years, and have been on several wonderful workshops including Arrowmont School of Art, in Tennessee; and a Georgia O'Keefe workshop in Santa Fe.  This past summer on my vacation through Door County, I was able to take a watercolor workshop from an artist.  In January, I plan to go to Iowa for a 4-day fiber arts workshop.  I think this blog affords us all the opportunity to share ideas, struggles and accomplishments!  - Mary Pat

Embracing Motherhood

First off - thanks to all of you who have been sharing your posts. It has been such a wonderful treat to see the energy slowly percolating on this blog.  You all are beautiful and I truly believe that the support, compassion and enthusiasm born from a community such as this one is a small, yet important step in our self-discovery journeys.  I just love knowing I have a place where I can share my thoughts with like-minded, kind souls.  

This picture spoke to me today as I've been contemplating my role as a mother.  Never before have I known the joys that come from loving and raising a little human being.  I am in a place in my life where I'm questioning where I put my energy - the energy I put towards work, towards art, towards yoga, towards my family....  My priorities are shifting and I sense that I'm ready for and needing some big change.  This change has to do with work, with financial security, with creative freedom, with taking bold steps towards my dreams, and fully embracing the greatest job of my life - being a mother.

Whatever decisions I make in the next several weeks - this much I know for sure - I have made the commitment to myself to live more of a spirit-driven life, rather than an ego-driven life, and as long as I keep this as my intention, then all else will unfold.

Yes, It's Time

Hi there Artist Babes! I have been so busy with the Holidays coming that I have not had time to sit and write on this blog. And yes, as Lindsay said....It's Time. Having three boys, ages 15,12 and almost 7, is definitely a balancing act. One that I absolutely love and would never trade for anything in the world, but some days I am just frazzled. I work 25 hours a week for an attorney and I teach knitting at the after school art programs for grades 2-6. I love teaching and one of the best parts about teaching knitting is they are all girls. Oh, the things we talk about! No, it's their enthusiasm and spirit. They wholeheartedly put themselves into their knitting. The girls are happy with the results of their labor with each new stitch they make. It is so satisfying to see this, but it especially makes me realize that as each new stitch they make is a treasure for them, so is each and every moment that we make a treasure to us and in that I find balance. Oh, it is still hard to come home and have my children and our dog and cat and bird wanting or needing me, but I find comfort in knowing that each moment that passes, each "MA" that I hear, each time that I clean and every meal that I make for us will be done with intention and purpose and because it makes us happy...it's the little things. I hope you all enjoy your holidays.

Re-Energizing...again.

Hello everyone. I am here to introduce myself! My name is Angela Hoffman, and I know Shannon, Lindsay, and Mary Pat from growing up with them (but mostly from younger, observational, admirable eyes). My mother and Mary Pat are two of four 'Babes in the Woods'.
I graduated in May 2007 with a BFA in Painting and have worked on starting up a small retail shop [with the help of my older siblings] ever since. I have a rudimentary blog for the store: artemisinweston.blogspot.com so feel free to check it out.

The store has been filled with mixed blessings for me. I have knowledge about herbs and teas (and health) that I never thought I'd know, and I have learned an exquisite amount of information about starting and running a business. I've gotten to meet a variety of great people, reconnect with my family, and work on civic committees to organize festivals. But...it's not necessarily my 'dream' to stay in Weston forever (my creativity and energy struggle here), and I'm starting to look outward at new opportunities. Over the next few months, I'll be 'training' my new sister-in-law to run the shop and be finding a new place to call home. Besides painting and pottery, I'm interested in pursuing learning opportunities with permaculture gardening/ecosystems, massage and reflexology, philosophy/politics, and wood-working/home construction. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to connect with people who are working with their creativity in such a variety of ways. I look forward to sharing and reading and possibilities!

it's time...

good evening, it's about time i fully contribute to this great website. my name is lindsay, i am shannon's sister, and mary pat's daughter... which by the way is just a cool thing on it's on to celebrate creativity on a website with your very own sister and mother. i am currently learning how to be more present and have found it to be incredibly satisfying, simple, and nice. i love this time of year, christmas lights, candy canes, and cozy nights in. i love exploring new places, however i truly love staying in at home with my new fiancee and our two dogs. i am forever learning how to stay true to myself, that which involves a lot of writing, some drawing, and overall movie making (if not for real than constantly in my head). peace & love.

Three masks

HI Artist Babes! In FL right now visitng my mom for her 85th birthday. Then finally home on Dec 14th. I am anxious to get back in the studio! I think I made a big long introduction on the other artist babes page so don't want to bore you with that again. Probably the best way to see what I do is via my webpage-www.dayledoroshow.com. I journal there also about what I am up to and plan to post some new work as soon as I get home. Here's a pic of some recent work

xoxo Dayle

A Gift from the Heart

Dear Friends,
As we enter the holiday season, and get closer to the new year, I like to take time for deep reflection to honor my challenges and accomplishments from the past year, and celebrate the newness to come.

In order to make space for new and exciting adventures ahead, I know that I must let go of self-sabotaging behaviors and release patterns from the past to truly live the life I imagine. This is hard to do alone and that's why I put great value in holistic life coaching.

As a life coach, I simply act as a guide - someone who can help you gain greater life awareness, help give breath to your dreams and help you put action towards a more purposeful life.

Are you looking for a creative gift? How about a gift that will truly change a life - the gift of a life coach. I am offering gift certificates for the holidays.
(Coaching sessions are through phone and email so you or your loved ones can receive these services from anywhere.)

Information about life coaching and my holiday special can be found on my website:
www.freespiritknits.com

Feel free to pass this information on to any friends you think would be interested. Thank you!
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season.

In the eyes of my child.

Hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!  

I wanted to share this new photo of my sweet baby boy.  We had many family parties and gatherings the past week and it was a complete joy watching him experience all of the celebrations for the very first time.  

His big blue eyes reminds me daily to delight in the newness of things - to see things afresh.  So as we enter this holiday season I will continue the practice of living each day with my eyes, my ears and my heart wide open.

Happy December to you.

regardez comme c'est beau...

allez voir...
d'une artiste qui s'appelle Delphine Cossais
http://delphinecossais.typepad.fr/blog/

Happy Turkey Day

Hello- I lost the link to the blog (I am definitely computer-challenged) and thanks to Shannon for resending it to me. I read all the latest posts and my hat is off to you all (with great admiration) that are balancing kids, homelife and art-making!

I don't have any kidlets- just nieces and nephews- but also struggle with the balance issue as I am on the road teaching a good part of the year and trying to find balance with my own art-making and keeping an ongoing vital, alive relationship with my husband Dan who is very supportive but left at home alot.

One of the things I am trying is to sacrifice a bit of sleep and get up earlier to have some alone time for myself that is dedicated to doing- even if only for a half an hour- something that I really want to do- that I usually back-burner in favor of things I think I should be doing.

I'll leave New Mexico soon to visit family in FL and then finally home sweet home for the holidays. I'm enjoying getting to know you all.

Happy Thanksgiving, Dayle

Go Gratitude!

As we approach Thanksgiving I am taking time to bring more gratitude into my life.  My sweet husband found this interesting website - www.gogratitude.org.  You can sign-up for a free newsletter and each day you'll receive a gratitude reminder.  It's wonderful and I'd like to share this excerpt with you about living in the NOW.

P.I.N.S. and Needles*

Remember the last time a hand or foot woke up?  Blood rushing, pins and needles.

Temporary, though none-the-less painful.

At this time, this is what happens with NOW awareness as it floods into our waking reality,

seeking ports for universal understanding, while naturally creating pressure at point of reception. Temporary, though none-the-less painful.

Below is a formula for moving thru moments of waking pains:

1) Practice patience

2) Inspire creativity

3) Nurture love

4) Show gratitude

"Needles" to say, this works as well as You.  Let feelings guide you through to find peace in this gathered wisdom.

*borrowed from gogratitude.org.

Last Weekend of Fall

We go on family walks at least once a day.  Kestan was really interested in our shadows this particular afternoon stroll.

Do you ever feel like you're going in circles?

Nailed it

As usual, Shannon, you've exactly captured all the best of worst of being a Mom, the need to not lose yourself, and yet the reality of other people needing you and feeling such responsibility. All I can say is i've been there, and i guess there are no easy answers, or final answers. I find the answer, for me, is constantly changing. and that ambiguity is as tough to deal with as everything else. and yet, for now, it seems to work. knowing that this level of need from Frye (my son) won't last forever, nor will the flu. that tomorrow he may have two good naps and i'll get work done, or he won't and i won't. but that he might the next day.

after all i think all of life is a struggle for balance, just when you've got it something else comes along to knock you for a loop, but that's what its about right?

hang in there, and let me know when you figure it out so i can too.

which way to go....

Balance.  Isn't this the ultimate goal, yet dilemma, most of us face.  To be the wards of our own schedule, and time. Difficult to do when we have others in our household.  However, if you are aware of it, and carve out a slice each day, your spirit can be revived.  Some days we may get some real productive creating time, and other days, we may glance at our art room.   Your spirit is alive and thriving.  I think that's what being an artist is...we always need to create, but when time and responsibilities prohibit that, I'm grateful to know my mind is aware.

goghgirl

Which way to go?

I'm a bit out of balance at this moment and feel as though I'm being swallowed up by my household and mommy duties. Today, being Sunday, I tried to reserve a few hours for "me" time. Well, plans changed as both baby and hubby are down and out with the icky stomach virus going around. So "me" time became "take-care-of-the-things-that-are-driving-me-crazy-or-I'll-be-a-raging-
lunatic-by-the-end-of-the-week." This included laundry, dishes, making the grocery list, mopping the kitchen floor and the dreaded...cleaning out the refrigerator. (All happening in between taking care of two sick boys- Can I just say "eeeww".) When did I become so domestic?

Luckily, I was able to fit in a little knitting, but what I really need most is a hot bubble bath and a glass of wine would be nice. Heck...even a 5 minute foot rub would do the trick.

When I'm feeling out of sorts I usually turn to two things: 1) stillness. (this can consist of a quiet walk, laying on the floor, trying to meditate) OR 2) reach out to others .

So...here I am...reaching out...wondering if you can help. I know that there's a lot more going on in my life than just this one day to make me feel out of balance. I know there are still some decisions I need to make in regards to balancing work, creative endeavors, mommy, wife and family stuff...There are things that must change or things I must let go of in order to regain some much needed, breathable space. I feel a crossroads coming on - a definite shift. I know there are still things that need to change in order for me to feel as though I'm living the life I've imagined. But as I sit here, in desperate need of a 24-hour nap, I ask myself:

"Then do it already...what are you waiting for?"
"What am I afraid of?"
"What is it you REALLY want in this life?"

As I sit and ponder my own deep-seated fears and insecurities...could ya help me out?

I'd like to know this: What do you do when you are confused and how do you push through your fears?

Ok...now...off to the tub.

Retreat in New Mexico

Hi Fellow Artist Babes. Thought I would check in here from beautiful New Mexico. Have been knuckling down and working on new pieces which I will share with you soonish. But here's a couple pics of what's inspiring me!

Moab Camp Site

This piece was inspired by a beautiful area in Moab, Utah.  I camped there in '07 with four of my dear women friends.

I used a variety of rich fabrics, textures and colors to create this small wall hanging.  

"Every flower is a soul blossoming in Nature." -Gerard de Nerval

Well, here it is - the stomping ground for artists, creativity lovers, wanna-live-freely peeps, believe-in-your-dream-dreamers, addicted to zumba dancers, and anyone else who loves meeting new, cool, like-minded people!

This community blog, The Artist Babes, is simply a place where we all share inspiration, celebrate the creative spirit, reflect on anything and everything, and where we tell OUR stories. Each of us has a story to share, a place in this world, a unique perspective on life and one thing that's clear to me - we all are part of the same universal energy.  We are all searching for the same things.  We all have the same fears, the same doubts, the same types of challenges, the same dreams.  And why experience all of THAT alone?

Let's connect.  Let's share.  Let's inspire.  Let's support each other to simply...live freely, be bold and most importantly...always, ALWAYS, be ourselves.

Thanks for visiting.  If you are interested in becoming a member - visit www.freespiritknits.com or email Shannon at livefreely@mac.com.