It's the little things

I have this special silver tray that belonged to my mother. I seem to remember her serving iced teas on this. I like to prepare my breakfast on this, with coffee, my newspaper and morning readings and take this to my patio. There is something special in taking this time to nurture myself with the little things. I don't do this everyday, but love when I take the time to do so.

Feeling Free and Loving It

I've had quite a productive and super-fly fun week of being on a more relaxed schedule. I've had several days off to play in my studio and work on my on-line class. I'm really excited about this class and I've learned so much during my "artist retreat week!" I studied and stayed with some technical things that I haven't had time for, like learning how to make Podcasts and publish on Itunes. I started a You Tube channel for my guided meditations and creativity classes. I started a Flickr group for my on-line class. I learned how to save Illustrator designs for the web. Whoa, my head is spinning. And, yet, I have had SO much fun!

And most of all, I learned that "living free" to me means - doing what I love, every single day, surrounded by the people I love the most, while connecting to others in deep ways and celebrating each moment as an authentic, compassionate, mindful being.

So, as we've been contemplating what it means to "live freely", that leads me to another question. "What is your mission in life and what are you doing today to make that mission more vividly alive?

My Artist Retreat Week

Today marks the official start to my vacation. I'm calling it my "Artist Retreat Week" - doesn't that just make you go "ahhhh". I can not remember the last time I had several days in a row to simply be on my own schedule, take my own time, and explore my creative projects.

I do have one intention for the week, which is to focus primarily on developing my on-line creativity class. I'm really excited about taking the doodles and scraps of paper ideas and making them more concrete. (Thanks to those of you who are helping me out!)

Another reason, though, for this much needed retreat is simply to create SPACE. I need a break from routine. I need to honor my natural rhythm. I need spontaneity. I need stillness.

I am embarking on new creative territory and I know that as I make some greater shifts in my life, staying centered and connected to my inner wisdom is essential, especially during moments where self-doubt wants to creep in.

So today, at the start of my "retreat week", I embrace this open space before me, and I remember what it feels like to live freely.

What does "living freely" mean to you?

HOME

Hello everyone!
I am taking 2 minutes to invite you to watch this important film, released on june 5th and available for free on the web 'til june 14th. Just clic on this message's title and it'll get you there!
Have a magical week-end every one!
xxni

Discover Your Creative Calling (...or something like that)

I am in the beginning stages of creating my first on-line class. This class will be designed to help people discover their life purpose and offer tips and techniques on how to set goals and make an action plan that will help make their creative dreams real! (What a mouthful!) We'll explore a vibrant world of possibilities that will ignite a creative spark that so many of us need to live more fuller, bolder, freer lives.

I need your help! While I'm developing this class, I'd like to share some of my ideas/exercises so that you can offer feedback and creative wisdom to help bring this class to life.

If any of you are interested in joining my email creative focus group, please email me (livefreely@mac.com) or comment here. If you agree, I'll be sending you an email every so often for the next few weeks, with parts and pieces from my class. It's a great way for you to enjoy some creative inspiration (for free) and at the same time you'll be helping me out immensely!

My Beagle Boy!

I went to a quilting workshop a few weeks ago, and learned the art of fusing fabric.  I really like it because it is faster than quilting, where you are sewing all your pieces.  With this, I can design my piece, fuse my fabrics, and iron on!  I'm excited to try more whimsical pieces this summer. And remember my new goal??? Complete my work!

mp

Smaller Pile!

Progress was made on finishing some of the partial projects! More to come...