Grace...

I've seen and heard the word "grace" used a lot recently.  As in "she handled that with grace...".

First - what does "grace" mean?

grace

ɡrās/

As a noun, it means: Simple elegance or refinement of movement. In Christian belief, it is the free and unmerited favor of God.

As a verb: To do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence.

At my Church, "grace" isn't a thing talked about often, though at other churches I have heard it discussed plenty.

Where I am hearing "grace" often now is online. On Facebook. On Instagram.  

With the shooting that happened this week in Las Vegas, I have had some pretty crappy emotions bumping around in me.  

1. I am mad. I am so mad.

2. I am sad.  Very, very sad.

3. I am frustrated. The very fact this happened frustrates me greatly.

4. I am confused.  Why is this still happening?

I have also had a friend have some pretty shitty things happen to her this week.  If I these things had happened directly to me, I can tell you that "grace" is not something I would have been feeling. 

I would have been furious. I would have been super stalker-ish on social media, making rude comments when I could.  I would be so so tempted to shred that person until I got the satisfaction I felt I deserved.

Guess what? As far as I can tell, my friend hasn't done any of these things.  

She has handled the situation with kindness. 

With tolerance. 

With...you got it, grace.

At least, that is what I think it is.  

Taking the crap life throws you, not giving it any bad stuff to feed on, and still be a kind person. 

An understanding person.

A person who handles themselves with grace.  

The baker's life...

If you know me, you know I used to bake. A lot. I loved it.

I'd bake cakes, pies, cupcakes (my fav!), bread, rolls, buns...you name it, I tried to bake it.

Then I kind of burned out. The peeps at my house rarely ate what I baked. I felt like I was running out of friends to pawn off my baked goods to.

So, I stopped. Cold turkey. I just didn't bake anything.

For a couple of years.

Then a few months ago I started watching The Great British Bake Off. Their pudding isn't our pudding. Their biscuits...not our biscuits. But...it was regular people competing to be the best British Home Baker.

I got that itch...the itch I used to have to create something. I usually produce art. Now, I want to produce food again.

I think I will.

Any ideas for what I should bake?

I have an arty friend. Her name is Effy...

I got to interview a friend of mine named Effy Wild. She is fun. Loads of fun. And super smart. Check her out!

Hi there Miss Effy!  How are you?

I'm super today, thank you Miss Cary! 

You know you are one of my favorite people, right?

You know you're one of MY favourite people, right?? :D

I’ve taken loads of classes from you. What do you love most about teaching art?

I love that I get to teach the things that are most important to me (self-love, care, and inquiry) through such a fun and accessible portal as art journaling and mixed media art! 

When did you start making art? Why did you start making art?

I started making art in 2009 because I was a writer with a wicked case of writer's block. I felt like my head was going to explode if I didn't find some way of expressing myself that felt *safe* and doable. I need a creative practice in my life in order to feel whole, and when I discovered art journaling, I knew I'd found something I could do even when words failed me!

Are there loads of artistic folks in your family/background?

Not at all, though my children are all artistic in one way or another, so I suspect there are some artists hidden away somewhere on my family tree!

What type of art do you enjoy producing the most?

Journal art, hands down. I love meeting myself on the page. 

What artists inspire you? Is there a famous work of art you relate to most?

I'm inspired by artists who work in my field, like Tamara Laporte, Erin Faith Evans, Amanda Grace, and Teesha Moore. The work of art I relate to the most is anything by Klimt, but The Kiss is my very favourite. 

How do you overcome a creative block?

I practice. I don't even worry about outcomes. I just sit my butt in my chair, and I pick a colour, any colour, and go. 

Thank you so much!!
My pleasure, darling! xo

Check Effy out here:

Effy's website
Society 6 page
Art class with Effy

A letter to myself...

Dear young Cary...

There are so many things I wish you had known about as a young girl. 

There is no reason to be so concerned about what others think about you.  You are adorable! Don't put so much stock in other's opinions. Just because someone says it doesn't make it true.

You are lovely. Beautiful. So different from everyone around you. And, that's a good thing.

You don't need to compromise yourself to make and keep friends.  You have standards. Don't lower them for anything.

You have a beautiful body. There is no reason to alter it. To abuse it.  What others think about your body is not important.

You are smart.  You can do anything you set your mind to. So just DO IT. It doesn't matter if you don't succeed every time.  You can try, try again.

You have a huge heart. Sometimes that puts you in a situation where you choose others feelings over your own. That is ok. Just remember that your ideas and opinion make a difference.

Do what you feel is the right thing to do. Do it every.single.time. In the end, kindness and compassion make the most sense.

Choose your friends wisely. Give all you have to your relationships.  Don't hold back. You might get hurt, but you need to press on.

You are a beautiful, caring, sensitive girl. Stay that way.

Hugs.
The older Cary

Life in the 80's...

I was born in 1972.  I spent the majority of my time in school during the 80's.

Here are a few things that totally jump out when I think of my childhood as a kid of the 80's...

1. Pegged pants

Did you peg your pants? The tighter the roll, the sweeter the peg!

The precursor to skinny jeans!




2.  Permed hair

Did you have permed hair? Oh, yes. And AquaNet! A total must have for any girl of the 80's.








3. Double Polo's

As if it weren't hard enough being a teen.  Add ANOTHER shirt. And, make sure both collars stand straight up. At. All. Times.





4. Jelly Shoes

Ok. This is a style I saw come back recently. OMG. Why? They were a must-have in the 80's. But, oh so gross. Your feet got all sweaty and dirty. They made super weird marks on your feet. Gross.

5. Iconic Movies

Add caption

Footloose

And many many others.

6. 80's TV

                                                           The A Team                                                  

Miami Vice                  Magnum PI

To be continued....

Books...

Today's post - not super exciting. But...BOOKS...I read. A lot. Not as much as I used to, but a lot.

Here is a list of my Top 5 Books...

1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

About an angsty teenager. Enough said.

2. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

A pig. And a spider. True friendship.

3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A misunderstood monster.

4. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The rise of Celie.

5. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Sethe - and her story.

What are YOUR top 5 books?

Suicide Prevention Month...

Did you know September is Suicide Prevention Month? If you would like more information on this, please check out this: NAMI

Have you heard of Project Semicolon?

Project Semicolon is an organization devoted to prevention of suicide.

Suicide is a super complex issue. There are more reasons than I can list that people attempt suicide, mental illness being one of them.

Today I was certified to provide initial help to young people experiencing signs/symptoms of suicidal and/or self harming behaviors through the National Council for Behavioral Health.

I felt super empowered during my training.

I traced my semicolon tattoo many times.

I didn't get this tattoo as part of the trend it became.

My semicolon tattoo reminds me daily of the struggles I, and millions of others having with anxiety, depression...things that can easily lead into suicide.

The semicolon I have tattooed reminds me that the struggle with mental health is important.

And to remind me that there were times when I wanted to end my story.

But I didn't.

"A semicolon is used with the author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to.

The author is you and the sentence is your life."

Do you know someone who struggles with mental health or thought of suicide? It might even be you. If it is, there are people who can help you. You can choose that semicolon instead of the period.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at
(800) 273-8255

Soundtrack of my life...

When you hear a certain song, does it bring you back in time to when you first heard it?

There are some songs that when I hear them, I get a physical reaction...joy, nausea, smiles...

Whenever I hear this song, I get a little bit sick to my stomach.  When I was pregnant, I had morning sickness. Well, more like all-day-long sickness. I would throw up at any time. This song was popular, being played all the time. Even now when it comes on, I get a huge wave of *I'm-gonna-barf*.

Kiss by a Rose

This song...we sang it at our Parent's Tea (a little party for parents of 8th graders).  I played the piano while the entire class sang. When I hear this song, I get a little knot in my stomach - nervousness!

Time After Time

When I hear this song, I smile. A lot. This one was popular when I was in high school...when I was possibly doing some things I might not have been supposed to be doing! *wink*

You Shook Me

Next - when I was 12, our church had a block-party-dance.  I was petrified because I had NEVER danced with anyone.  I was in the bathroom, avoiding going to the dance. An older girl, maybe 15 years old, came in and asked me what was going on. I told her how nervous I was. She pulled me up off the ground and showed me how to dance! So sweet!

Jump

Whenever I hear any of these songs - going to school dances floods my mind.  You HAD to be dancing, especially during the slow songs. You just weren't cool if you weren't! I feel a bit anxious when I hear any of them now!

Against All Odds

Hard Habit to Break

Faithfully

And lastly - when I was in High School we had a Sadie Hawkins Dance. You know, where the girl asks the guy to go? I saved up my money so I could buy tickets, and I asked the guy I had a major crush on. He said yes. Then, at the dance, he hooked up with another girl. And ignored me the entire night. Bummer!

Groovy Kind of Love

So...are there songs that are the soundtrack of YOUR life? What are they??

Special Artist Interview With.....Kara Bullock...

Hallloooo! I have a pal, her name is Kara. She is an amazeballs artist - wanna find out a few things about her?  Keep reading! I did a little interview with her.

And at the end, there is a wonderful offer for you!

"Bluebird On My Shoulder"

ME:

You are one of my recently-found favorite artists! I have taken a bunch of your classes. If someone is new to making art, what class would you recommend (of yours!) they start with?

KARA:

First of all, thank you so much!  That means so much to hear.  I think that if someone is new to making art, I would recommend taking Let’s Face It, if you are interested in portrait work, A Life Full of Color with Heather Foust, Floral Expressions with Ursula Wollenberg….it really depends on what it is that someone is interested in creating.  

What is your favorite mark-making tool right now? Your favorite all-time art supply?

My favorite mark-making tool is probably charcoal, which is also my favorite all-time art supply.  I just adore charcoal…even the mess that comes along with it.  It really shows how hard you have been working!

Cardboard Series #2

What is your art background?

I am really a self-taught artist.  I took art throughout high school, but that was so long ago.  I did take one beginning drawing class in college.  Again, that was a long time ago.  Once art fell back into my life, I just wasn’t going to let it go again.  So every chance I have, I am creating something, usually a portrait!

What famous piece of art do you love the most?

This is really a tough question as I am not really sure.  It depends on what you consider famous.   I haven’t spent much time studying famous art work.  Currently my favorite artist is probably Michael Carson.  To me he is famous!  I love all of his artwork very much.

Do you think artists play a role in society? Why?

Yes, they do.  Artists create what they see and feel in life.  So, whatever you are putting on your canvas is about what is happening in the world, whether it is with you or someone else.

What inspires you?

People inspire, and that is what I love to draw/paint.  I want to paint someone’s story.

Untitled

Do you have any embarrassing art moments?

Of course I do!  Probably the most embarrassing is when I uploaded some videos for a class and during the lesson in the video, you could hear my husband yelling at my kids.  I failed to edit that part out and students heard it.  One messaged me on FB and I immediately pulled it down and edited it, but some students had already downloaded it and listened.  It was really embarrassing!

Do you do research when making a piece, or just head in and see what happens?

I always have a plan, in life, and in art.  That doesn’t mean that things go as planned, but I always start with a plan in mind.

What is your favorite or most inspirational place you like to go to?

Anywhere with a ton of people and music!

Welcome Home

Fill in the blanks…

I am most happy when I’m with my family.

I love it when I have a few hours alone to create.

It makes me sad when people are mean.

I’d love to be on a deserted island with (a person)my husband.

My favorite color at the moment is red

I wish I had done – can’t answer….no regrets

I drive a swagger van

Thanks for your time, Miss Kara! It is always so fun to talk to you!

And now, a special offer - just for my readers!

A coupon code - just for you, for 20% off ANY OF KARA'S CLASSES!

Go to her site here

And use coupon code  CREATETODAY for your discount!

Bye!

What I thought I'd be when I grew up...

Unlike many girls my age, when I was small, I did not want to be a princess.

Or a doctor.
Or a mother.
Or a *insert anything girly here*.




I wanted to be a lawyer.

My dad told me, since I was a little girl, that I argued like no one he'd ever met. He said I stuck with my guns (whether they were right or wrong, it didn't matter), I never faltered and I defended my "side" until the death.

So, as I grew up, I had in my head I was a good arguer. And I have a very soft spot for the "little guy". I came to the defense of anything I saw that was being "wronged" (I am using loads of quotation marks!). The downtrodden, the unseen, the teased, the bullied.

I was on your side just because no one else seemed to be.

So the empath-heart I have plus the ability to argue well seemed fit for one thing. The law.

I headed into college with the law on my mind. I got my required classes out of the way and started the required criminal justice, sociology and pre-law courses.

There's a ton of tedious stuff while studying law. Like, laws.

So. Much. To. Remember.

My memory isn't super - so I had a difficult time remembering the tiny details you HAVE to remember.

After getting my Associates Degree, I seriously thought about my decision to be a lawyer.

Was I still willing to go 2 more years for a Bachelor's degree, then another 3-ish years at law school?

Did I want to incur the $25,000-$50,000/year cost of law school?

Well, the answer became *no*. Well, and because I got pregnant. That kinda put things on hold, also.

But...I still have the *save the underdog* mentality.

I fight for those who can't fight for themselves. If there is something I am passionate about, I will defend it to the death.

So...that's my story. What I thought I'd be when I grew up.

You? What did you think YOU'D be when you grew up?

Signs of a good friend...

Hiya! A good friend of mine passed away yesterday. She was young. Too young. I've been thinking about friendship. What makes a good friend? I was trolling the internet, and found this great list on the Huffington Post's site.

Signs of a good/genuine friend:

1. They push us to be more accepting of ourselves.
2. They call us out when we’re in the wrong.
3. They’re present.
4. They really listen.
5. They support us through adversity.
6. They keep our stress in check.
7. They keep us humble.
8. They have our backs, even when life gets tricky.
9. They make the friendship a priority. 
10. They practice forgiveness.
11. They make us want to be better people. 

What do you think? Is this a good list? Is it one you would be willing to put up against your friends?

Aaaahhhh, Disneyland....

As a child, my fondest memories are the times I spent at Disneyland. Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
Not Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida.
There is a difference!
My parents took me to Disneyland as a very small child. We must have gone at least once a year.

I have since been at least 30 times.
There is just something about Disneyland that lulls me into a Mickey-coma...and I love it!

As you enter the park, you see the Train Station. You must stop and get your picture taken with the Mickey-made-of-flowers in the background!  You can hear the rides, you can hear the children laughing, you can smell the smells that are only found at Disneyland.

Oh, and the smells...the first I get is of churros. Oh, yummy churros.

There isn't much in the world that smells (and tastes) like a crispy, hot churro.

The next thing I smell as I walk down Main Street, taking a left at the end, is a Dole Whip.

If you haven't had a Dole Whip, I suggest you get yourself to Disneyland. Stat. 

It is a magical, smooth, sweet-yet-tart concoction that is only to be found directly in front of the Tiki Room in Disneyland. 

Omg. Now I'm drooling...

The next scent that accosts me is the smell of the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride. 

Now, unless you have smelled it, you wouldn't recognize it.

It is a musty, salty, thick smell, that not being associated with this ride might make you flinch a bit. But, knowing what I know (that this ride is delightful - so.much.fun!) that smell just makes my heart beat a bit faster, makes my imagination start to soar.

Side Note - there is a restaurant INSIDE the building/ride called The Blue Bayou.

I haven't ever gotten to eat there (it's kinda pricey). But, someday, I will.

Ok. We are moving on past Pirates. Next, instead of a smell, I hear a sound.  

Click here, if you dare..

What you hear is the music coming from the Haunted Mansion. 

As a young child, this ride scared me. 

To death. 

To this day (I am 45!) I still don't love the ride. 

We always ride it, but I must admit, I feel a little terrified!

If you haven't been to Disneyland, I am taking the "left" route. 

Going left at the end of Main Street seems to get us to rides quickest.

 Going the "right" route seems to take forever.

Next, you hear screams. 

And feel a cold mist of water hit your face. 

You have arrived at Splash Mountain.

This ride, even though it is full of water, smells different than the Pirates ride.

Don't ask why.

Here is the thriller drop at the end...

I absolutely love the ride. 

Except for this part.

I don't love the feeling of my stomach rising into my throat.

Ok. We are going to cut across the park now. 

ALL the way to the other side.

The next ride is Space Mountain. This was the very first roller coaster I ever rode. 

And I loved it. 

Loved, loved, loved it. 

Now, it is a little too jerky and awkward for me. 

But I still ride.

 I am such a nostalgia-sucker.

There are other rides in this area - Autopia, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear's Ride.

Not a huge fan of any of these. But, they sure have a devoted following!

One memory I have from my youth is going to the CircleVision theater.

The movie plays on s screen. 

A screen that gives you a 360 degree view. So it completely surrounds you.

I get motion sick. Very easily.

I spent a lot of time there - on the floor. 

I got so immediately motion sick that I couldn't even stand up.

Not a good memory.

Only a couple more to go...

Next - the Matterhorn.

This majestic mountain can be seen from outside the Park's gates.

Again, a super jerk-you-around-ride.

But, a must-ride.

They have renovated it, I have been told. 

As a young girl I heard a rumor that Walt Disney built a half-size basketball court in the top of the mountain. 

What what?

After that, I spent most of my time on the ride looking very closely (well, as closely as you can moving at that speed!) to catch a glimpse of a door leading to this magical basketball court.

Well, I need to close this post.

But I cannot forget to mention the beautiful castle in the middle of the park.

This is Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

It is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

I have heard rumors about this delightful place, too.

Like,

I heard you could rent out a suite that sits at the top of the castle.

Hold up.

What?

I have since done research, and it seems like the only such suite is actually located in Cinderella's castle, which is in Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida.

This is the inside of that suite.

And, you can't just RENT the suite.

You have to be entered into a drawing, if you win, guess what?

A NIGHT IN THE SUITE.

Ok - where do I register?

There are so many more highlights of a trip to Disneyland. 

Like, going at Christmas or Halloween.

Talk about Magical!

You won't ever want to visit during "regular" days after this! 

They go ALL out.

 Everything is decorated. 

Everything!

Oh, I almost forgot!

It's a Small World!

Not to be missed (unless you have an aversion to tiny, singing, animatronic dolls)

Heaven!

Oh, and if you don't mind hearing this in your head, for weeks to come...

"It's a world of laughter, a world of tears..."

Go ahead. Click on it. Try to not start singing along...

Well, that's it for my trip down memory lane. 

I am a bit irritated now.

I want to visit again!

Maybe next time I'll take you through Disneyworld Florida.

Or maybe Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

Or maybe Universal Park in Orlando.

What do you think? 

Do you have a smell or sight that takes you back to a delightful time in your life?

Leave me a comment!