All Who Wander Are Not Lost

I just finished this commissioned piece for a client, who plans to gift a framed print to her adventure-seeking, world-traveling, sister-in-law.

My client is the kind you dream about–we discussed the project and she gave me parameters.

Then she let me fly.

At one point in our conversations, she laid it out for me like this: “Final thought–have fun with this and make it your own. Then it will be perfect.”

Swoon. What a way to kick off the new year!

Bootcamp has started again as well.

Beginning this month, Lilla Rogers Assignment Bootcamp runs through June. The pace is relaxed–one assignment per month–and it pushes me out of my comfort zone. Last year, I was able to turn a few of my projects into licensing deals (still in the works–I hope to share details soon!). There is also the ever-positive, uber-talented group of participating artists–an entire international community of my people!!

This week, we are sketching Edwardian brooches. I’m not sure where we’re headed, but my guess is pattern design. Yahoo!

 

Daring Acts

The image above is from an artist and writer that I met a few years ago. I’m a big fan and am continually inspired by her approach to life. Christine Mason Miller has an old Rocket typewriter, and on her Facebook page, she regularly shares “Notes from the Rocket.” These little juicy nuggets are always right on target.

***

Stop and take a look around. Really soak up everything around you.

Breathe in this perfect moment. See the sky like you are looking at it for the very first time. That tree. The singsong birds twittering overhead.

It it unbelievable how beautiful and amazing this world is when we are really paying attention.

I have always had emotions that are too big. Too sad. Too happy. Too emotional. Too much. Tears well up at drop of a hat (though only those very close to me know that). Though I have come a long way, it can still be a struggle for me to allow space for these emotions to exist.

For some, tears are a sign of weakness. For me, they are a release. A way to process intense feelings. And for years, I swallowed them down pretending they weren’t there, developing an eating disorder in an effort to appear easy going.

Though my eating issues are behind me, I am still learning. Still reminding myself to stop and listen. To allow. And then, and only then, to react.

This acceptance, this daring act of self love is the only way to know our true power, to become all that we can be.

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.”

– Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

On another note, last week I mentioned that I am having an art show! Check out the details below. If you are in the Denver area this fall, I would sure love to see you.