You are a gift – there is no one else in this world like you. Your life, therefore, will be just as unique. Embracing a life that is true to your heart and soul’s callings can be challenging in a world of expectations, labels, and ingrained social norms. This series is about creating a life that is true to who you are, based on the only story I am qualified to write about: mine.

2015 – A Year In Focus

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By the dawning of 2015, I’d already decided to devote my year to my art. And that’s exactly what I did. With great focus, determination, trust and growing patience, I put my whole heart into my art, bringing it, my Self, and our partnership to a whole new level.

My art was my baby, my lover, my teacher, my seed and my tree. It was my whole world. I even went into hermit mode for part of the year to accomplish my goals.

As with all relationships, developing and nurturing this one required unconditional love, forgiveness, and faith.

I learned a lot in 2015 and wanted to share its celebration with you.

New Creations

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Fourteen new paintings were birthed this year in addition to my mandalas.

Ten of these provided me with a chance to channel the energy I needed at the time, evolving through layers of meaning, reflection, connection, creation, and celebration.

All but one of these originals are still available in my online shop, where you can also order reproductions on canvas, HD metal plaques (only available for some sizes), and fine art or metallic paper.

One was a donation to a project that paired artists with local nursing home residents.

The other three Energy Painting Commissions. What an amazing experience to support others on their transformational journeys through these intensive experiences. This connected me to three women across North America in ways that further opened my heart and soul on my own journey. What an honour and blessing! My intention is to be of service to many more in this way in 2016.

“Tania’s Magnific-Essence” (12″x 12″)
“Carolyn’s Magnific-Essence” (11″ x 14″)
“Jen’s Magnific-Essence” (11″ x 14″)

B-School and the Business of Art (or the Art of Business)

I’d set the intention to get my business online in 2015. So in February, when a friend reminded me of Marie Forleo’s B-School, an intensive online business program for big-hearted entrepreneurs, I jumped on board.

This was quite the investment in time and money, but it felt guided and aligned, so I didn’t hesitate. And no regrets.

I now have a professional website that I designed myself and the marketing materials to get the word out. For the first time, you can now purchase my art online, even ordering prints of your favourite paintings and photographs in various sizes and mediums.  That was my goal!

That’s not all B-School gave me.  Through the course of several months, I gained even greater courage and confidence. I’m no longer camouflaging my intuitive gifts. I was able to build a business platform that cohesively offered my intuitive art & inspiration, including my unique style of intuitive reading, which comes with bonus visual gifts.

I also learned from pushing myself to the brink of burn-out, with months of 12-16 hour workdays, 7 days a week. I know the stress and pressure I was feeling was entirely of my making. My self-imposed deadlines came from a scarcity mentality. My technophobia came from overreacting to things outside of my comfort zone or control. There’s a lot I needed to learn about the futility of trying to force things to happen.

With the pre & post modules, B-School was my all-consuming full-time job and personal growth program for about 5 months.  I’ll be going through the it again in 2016. We have lifetime access. Plus my business and I aren’t the same as when we did it the first time. So I trust it’ll take us to the next level – more gently this round.

Enter the Mandala Project – Inspired Action

all 12 Universal Law mandalas in a row

While I was with family in Ottawa a year ago, I received intuitive guidance to create a dozen mandala paintings. So when I got back to St. John’s, I submitted a grant application to help fund the project. I also ordered 12 – 30″ x 30″ canvases, which ended up taking a few months to arrive. Looking back, I’m so glad I followed my inspiration with action.

I then got so busy with B-School that I stopped connecting and listening for guidance. But on March 25th, I had a 30-minute Skype consultation with a coach for intuitives I met through B-School. Without knowing about my intention to create a dozen mandalas, she said my Guides wanted me to create a series on the Universal Laws… and there happened to be 12.

In April, I received news of a $1000 grant by the City of St. John’s, covering part of the materials for my project. My canvases arrived at about the same time. I needed the grant implementation deadline to force me away from the computer and into the studio. I’m so grateful as this was essential to my well-being this year.

Had I not followed through on my initial guidance with inspired action, there’s no way I would have completed the Enter the Mandala paintings by now or hosted the Winter Solstice Event.  Both parts of the Enter the Mandala project brought me in alignment with my life purpose. Here’s what one participant wrote to me about the event:

” I want to express my thanks and gratitude for the wonderful day you in-visioned and brought to fruition  … It was so powerful to be part of the group and to share all the heart-based energies that bathed us for the entire day. Until now, my only real energetic “community” has been online and I held fear around being seen fully in my life, all the while desiring to connect with like-minded and like-hearted individuals and groups. I feel as though the Solstice event illuminated a new path forward for me, while uplifting and transforming the heaviness of past patterns and obsolete beliefs about myself. The powerful energy of your artwork, of your soul expressing itself through your visionary co-creative process and story-telling, combined with the energetic offerings of Leslie, Regina, Katie and Tina was phenomenal to experience!” M.L.G.

This powerful collection (which now has 13 mandalas) has taken me deeper spiritually and artistically than any other painting project before it. The Universal Laws have taught me much, and I’ll continue to practice them as a key to my happiness.

My goal is to find a permanent home for them in 2016 and to keep on teaching what I’ve learned.

Exhibitions and Events

 

 

I’ve had many opportunities to share my work in St. John’s this past year. For this I am truly grateful.

These included:

  • a month-long solo exhibition at The Sprout
  • participation in juried and open group exhibitions at Eastern Edge Gallery, the Craft Council Gallery, MUN Botanical Garden, First Space Gallery, Le Festival du Vent, and Earth & Sky Healing Centre and Gallery.
  • displaying my work in the offices of Dr. Laura Nurse, Tina O’Brien (Reiki/Facial practitioner), and National PR (juried pop-up gallery),
  • live painting for 2 days at the NL Folk Festival
  • booths at The Wellness Expo and The Healthy Living Show
  • the Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event & Exhibition

These helped me reconnect to the the purpose of my art and of my life. They also helped me practice patience and trust in divine timing, especially when it comes to income.

I love sharing the energy that I channel in the studio. But I have to learn to keep on giving to this relationship with my art and its fans without becoming needy or over-dependent. That only stifles the relationship.

Re-Connecting with the Community

I value my alone time. First, I know I’m never really alone.  Second, I enjoy my company (most of the time). Being in hermit mode was great and very productive. But I knew I could get too comfortable and disconnected if I stayed there too long.

Sure, I’d talk to you through my blog twice a week, but that’s not the same. I had to get back into the community and the opportunities came when I was ready.

  • I taught a fulfilling English Second Language Program at the university for 5 weeks in the summer
  • I met new circles of like-minded souls
  • I joined the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs for its business coaching & mastermind group opportunities
  • I taught a few painting workshops though the Art Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Association culturelle francophone de Saint-Jean
  • I participated in community initiatives like the Massonic Art Project
  • I spent time some time with friends
  • I joined with community during the Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event that I organized with 4 friends.

A Great Year Indeed

I’m so grateful for the foundation I was able to build for my business in 2015. After 26 years of being a part-time professional artist, I’ve made the leap to full-time (or almost). In 2016, I’d like to continue that, but with a better work-life balance.

Apart from a trip to Ottawa to visit family, I didn’t even leave town this year. I’m now open to a lot more leisure time alone and with friends –  in nature and new surroundings.

I’d also like to socialize outside of my current circles of women. If it’s meant to be and in my Highest Good, I’m open to meeting a man who’s similarly dedicated to growing in unconditional love.

I want to nourish my soul through more than just my art.

To do that, I’ll take the time to ask and listen for guidance as I continue to explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love.

2015 was a huge year for me and my art. 2016 is a mystery. I’m open to it. I welcome it. And I look forward to sharing it with you.

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Merry Christmas!

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"Prayer" from my Connection Photography Collection

“Prayer” from my Connection Photography Collection

Happy Birthday Jesus! The world is a better place because You were born, and I’m all into celebrating that.

I grew up Catholic. So Christmas has always meant more than the exchange of gifts and turkey feasts.

It’s true that my spirituality has become more universal in nature. I’ve welcomed many other teachers into my life, such a Buddha, Abraham Hicks, the Universe, and direct connection to Source through my Higher Self.  But Jesus was my first teacher and best friend.

He taught unconditional love and forgiveness, setting me on my path of exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.

He also showed me my potential of connecting to the Light within all Beings and within God through the Divine Oneness.

The world is truly a better place because He was born.

It’s also true that many misguided souls have spread hatred in His name, but that had nothing to do with Him.

So I’m joining with millions around the planet to celebrate the birth of Christ in my own way this week – no matter what season his birth may have actually occurred.

Happy Birthday Jesus. Thank you! I’m glad I met you when I was young. I am who I am today because I grew up with you. I know you’re still walking by my side and am grateful for having you as part of my Higher Council and team of Divine Helpers. I’m so glad we’re still buddies.

Merry Christmas everyone – no matter what your beliefs. May we all take a moment to be grateful for those who have shown us the path of Love.

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Solstice Intentions – De-cluttering and Visioning

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Painting "Lighting the Way"

“Lighting the Way” – prints available.

It’s 4:37am here in St. John’s, where a fresh layer of snow transformed the city overnight – the kind that sits prettily on the branches.

It was easy to remember that Solstice was just a few hours ago because my room was still lit up with 15 of the battery-operated flickering tea-light candles I’d purchased to decorate the Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event.

I know you want to hear how it went … Hold on. That’s coming at the end.

I’d ceremoniously placed these lights on or near symbolic objects I wanted to energize:

  • this self-portrait -“Lighting the Way” which honours my sources of Guidance
  • my new art brochures
  • my parents’ wedding portrait
  • my bookkeeping files
  • my 2016 agenda
  • my computer
  • my crucifix of the resurrected Christ (a happy colourful one)
  • a photo of one of my energy painting commissions
  • an image of unconditional love

So I’m writing this to candlelight – fake candlelight, but it’s all in the intention. And that’s what this post is about.

I’m focusing on my true intentions because I didn’t like what I’d answered in my dream.

Right before waking, an unseen voice asked me what my intentions were for 2016. I answered that I wanted to return to the Czech Republic to do some post-war photo-reportage.

But then another level of my consciousness piped in with “You said that because you watched a movie about a Second World War love story in Poland right before falling asleep. See how movies influence you? Is that really what you want the Universe to record as your intention?”

So I started composing this in my dream. Then I decided to wake up to write it down instead.

My Plans for Today

The 6 days before and after Solstice are powerful for transformational shifting. I’m using this energy to help set the pace for 2016.

Today, I’m going to continue cleaning up after Sunday’s event, clearing space in both my room and studio. I’ve always been a believer that de-cluttering allows us to let go of what no longer serves us to let in what does. I don’t want to start the new year in a mess.

Then, 2 of my friends are coming over for an intuitive vision board party.  Writing down your conscious intentions for the year ahead is one thing. Letting your intuition guide you in them is another. Last year’s board was instrumental in my decision-making. I look forward to seeing what comes up for me today. If you want to do one too, you can learn how in my “7 Easy Steps to Creating An Intuitive Vision Board“.

My Conscious Vision for 2016

So – to cancel my post-movie dream declaration, here’s what I’d like the Universe to hear as my reality for 2016. You’ll notice I use the present tense to avoid keeping my intentions in the perpetual future.

“I connect to my Self and Source every day, so that I may hear guidance and follow it with inspired action.

I’m present. In every moment. I’m healthy. I work when I’m inspired and take the time to nourish my body, mind, and spirit in nature, with friends, and exploring the world in which I’m called to.

I’m nourished by both my alone time and community time. I’m open to new opportunities of all kinds that serve my Highest Good and that of others. I stretch my comfort zones and grow. Clarity comes easily – I know when to say “yes” or “no”.

The right man for me has entered my life and we’re growing together, learning to love unconditionally with ease and grace.

Now that I’ve built this foundation for my new full-time art business, I’m thriving as an artist.

My Universal Law mandalas have found a permanent home where they can serve all those who are embraced in their energy. I continue to practice and share what they’re teaching me.

All of my original paintings for sale easily find loving homes where they inspire and support.

I’m hired by 2 energy painting commission clients and 10 intuitive reading clients a month for 10 months. Using my gifts in this way opens me more and more to the Light and Unconditional Love within me and all beings. I enjoy being of service in this way.

Interior decorators and private customers are drawn to my online shop to order both painting reproductions and photographic prints to raise the vibration of spaces and lives.

Life is fun. Life is peaceful. Life is meaningful. I’m happy no matter what.”

The Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event

Sunday’s event was the culmination of my year and of my initial vision for the Enter the Mandala Project. It was exactly as it was meant to be. And for that, I’m so grateful.

Our team of leaders and volunteers created a beautiful and sacred space for the participants. We were about 40 in the circle. The 13 lit mandalas held one side of the room while Regina and Leslie’s altars held the other.

The day flowed through ceremony, meditation, visionary storytelling, a delicious lunch, drumming and chanting, sound healing with crystal bowls, chakra dancing, mandala drawing, and conversation on raising our vibration through self-awareness.  It was exactly the kind of Solstice event I wanted to attend. It felt so good to receive my co-leaders gifts. It felt just as good sharing mine.  And what a heart-opener to be a witness to the experiences of those who chose to attend.

We stayed open for the public after our closing circle. Very few came despite all the marketing, but I know that everyone who did was touched by their experience.

Our day was about quality, not quantity. We all put so much into it. And it was worth it on levels we cannot begin to understand. I know we helped those in attendance make a difference in their lives. It made a difference in mine. How can that be measured in numbers and dollars?!

Sunday provided me yet another mirror for my Self – showing me my gifts and my growth as well as the thoughts and patterns that still cloud my true vision. It was a gift to my Self and to my community.

And now I need a rest. This was a huge year. I pushed myself hard – harder than was necessary. I do that.

You’ll hear more about that on the 29th (I already wrote that post so I can take time off the computer while in Ottawa with family for the New Year).

 

 

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A Winter Solstice Prayer

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Photo of "Spirit Call" sun flair over forest

“Spirit Call” from the Connection Collection

Dear God and Guiding Spirits, Angels of Light and Love, Universe, Divine Consciousness, and all Higher Powers in whatever names you are addressed,

Thank you!

Thank you for 2023,
With all its challenges and blessings.
You’ve helped me stretch my comfort zones and grow in ways I couldn’t have expected.
You’ve listened to my prayers and supported me in my dreams.

 

Your unconditional love was always present, even when I was too busy to connect.
You found ways and messengers to reach me, even when I was too overwhelmed to listen.

 

Help me let go of what no longer serves me.
And welcome with an open heart what does.

 

Thank you for the abundance in my life.
I have lacked for nothing and have been blessed by much.

 

Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart,
So that I may better serve others.
Thank you for helping me gain clarity on my path
And for the courage to continue embracing the mystery of what lies ahead.
From baby steps to leaps of faith,
I know you’re with me.

 

May I continue to be an instrument of thy peace in 2024.
As I explore and express
My love of beauty
And the beauty of love.
Please help me recognize the Spirit in everyone I meet
No matter their choices and circumstances
That I may move in harmony with
The Divine Oneness.

 

As we approach Winter Solstice,
I open myself to its transformational shifts.
I join with the Light – within me and all Beings
That together we may shine at our brightest,
As it was meant to be.

 

Amen, So be it, Aho.

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Intuitive Giving – When the Giving Gets Tough, Listen

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Intuitive Giving and the Law of Compensation

“The Law of Compensation” – click for prints

I’ve got 2 stories for you about intuitive giving today.

You’ve heard of the joy of giving. It’s like turning up the dimmer switch on our inner Light.

As the Law of Compensation teaches, the more you give, the more you receive, building the world you want to live in.

Are you also familiar with the kind of giving that doesn’t feel good? You do it because it’s expected. Or you don’t want to look bad. Then you end up turning down your dimmer switch, and the energy of your gift is lost.

Tis the season for giving, but listen in to make sure it’s coming from a space of love – for your Self and others. That’s intuitive giving.

Intuitive Giving The Easy Way

Sometimes, giving is so easy. It feels completely aligned with your Higher Self.

A few weeks ago, I was approached by Nova Yoga to give art for their silent auction to benefit Heavenly Creatures – a safe haven for animals.   It was so easy to say YES! But that’s because I’d been prepared.

The week before, I’d had an inner sense that it was time to give “Caméo” away. I acknowledged the message and smiled at her. She shines with dalmatian energy.

Soon after, a local acquaintance won the lottery. It got me thinking of what I’d do if I won. My longstanding plan to give to animal charities was still on the list.

So when the request came, it was the most natural thing to do. I felt so happy to contribute to Heavenly Creatures in this way.

“Caméo” 12″ x 12″

Saying No

I’ve learned though that it’s equally important to say “No thank you” to what clearly doesn’t feel aligned. This means turning down many of the requests for my art, money, or time.

In the last few years, I studied overseas and transitioned to being a full-time artist. I’ve learned a lot about priorities, focus, creative financing, and simple living, just so I could pay the bills and reach my goals.

Sometimes, that meant saying no to donating, to jobs, to unnecessary expenses, or distractions. I’ve given almost everything to my art, which calls me so strongly.

There’s no way I can please everyone, and the cost of being untrue to my Self is too high. So I’ve learned to say “No”.

Intuitive Giving as a Call for Growth

But sometimes you don’t get a clear “Yes” or “No”. You’re suddenly transported to the land of shoulds, coulds, woulds, and buts. You can’t tell which way your discomfort is asking you to go.

That’s what happened last week.

One of the co-organizers of the Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event messaged to ask if we were giving away tickets.

These thoughts came racing through my head:

  • We’re barely covering costs as it is.
  • Would it be fair to those who paid?
  • Would it be fair to our volunteers who are giving 14 hours of their time to experience the workshops?
  • How can I honour the leaders financially – their time and energy wasn’t meant to be volunteer.
  • I’ve been working at this almost full-time for 6 months without salary – I need to honour my Self.
  • Who should we pick to give tickets to?

You get the picture. Part of me wanted to say “yes” because it seemed like the loving thing to do. But that “yes” wouldn’t have come from love. Not yet.

So I prayed for clarity and got it. The next time I walked by my “Law of Compensation” mandala, I was in a much different head and heart space.

I received inspiration to create a Facebook contest for 5 free tickets. The more people Shared the contest and event, the more ballots they got.

This felt aligned and exciting. It created buzz around the event (honouring all involved), and it was the Universe that decided who got free tickets. Perfect!

Saying “Yes” from this space of clarity also took me out of detail-management mode and back into the WHY of this event. It took me back into Love.

I spent the greater part of 2 days on Facebook, connecting with those who wanted to participate. What a heart-opener! I trust that those who are truly meant to be there will find a way to make it happen. And I know we’ve helped.

Giving felt great. But it had to come from a space of clarity first, or else I would’ve resented it. It wouldn’t have been authentic.

So when giving gets tough, listen. It’s either time to say “no” or to grow.

For me, this lesson on intuitive giving was yet another opportunity to let go of fear (scarcity) and connect to the Love that is naturally at the core of us all.

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Amy Charmichael

May your holiday gift-giving come from that same space of clarity.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” Francis of Assisi

 

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You’re Not Alone – Letting Go of Loneliness This Holiday Season

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“Angel of Mine”

It’s sad but true. Lots of folks are lonely during the holiday season, even when they’re surrounded by people.

Have you ever felt alone at a Christmas party? You may even be married or have a large extended family, yet feel invisible. The good news is that you can let go of loneliness this holiday season.

All you need to do is be seen – truly seen – first by yourself and then by others. To do that, connect to Source and your team of Divine Helpers and look at yourself through their eyes. Then be real! You’re a divine being on this earth for a human experience. What’s not to love?

It may be hard to come out of hiding after years of being an Academy Award winning actor in your own life. If you’re like most, you learned at a young age to be what others wanted you to be to fit in. Or, like me, you chose to spend most of your time on your own because those around you weren’t equipped to accept the real you. But if you don’t risk being yourself, the cost of disconnection is high: loneliness and depression.

It’s worth looking at the protective mechanisms we adopted at a young age to see if they still serve us.

Last week, I went to a Christmas party for local business women. I left feeling energized and happy. Trust me, that’s amazing! I used to feel drained and lonely at such events.

Why the difference? I brought my Self to the party and we had a good time connecting to those who chose to do the same.

A year ago, I wouldn’t have even considered going.  When I first joined the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneur in early 2015, I cringed when my advisor mentioned their several networking events.  I visualized a room of energy vampires trying to “get” from each other.

But this year, I’ve learned I can be authentic in business situations. I wasn’t laughed at or rejected for my gifts. So now I don’t only take my True Self out to play when I’m with close friends or on my own. I had no problem talking about the mini-movies in my head when answering questions about my intuitive readings. Not everyone is open. I can see that right away and redirect the conversation towards them.

But to my surprise, many light up and start talking about things they too wouldn’t have felt comfortable talking about. Forget the chit chat about the weather! Let’s get real. Then we all leave feeling truly seen and accepted. 

I confess. It took courage. I’m accepting and loving myself at a much deeper level because of the inner and outer work I’ve done this year. I’m blossoming because of it.

This is my first year not camouflaging my intuitive gifts behind my art – either on my website or in person. It’s given those gifts a chance to grow and serve others.

I was scared when the idea first surfaced in B-School of publicly offering my Guided Visual Journeys – the unique type of intuitive reading I give. I was rejected and bullied for speaking my Truth at a young age. And I’ve no doubt been burned at the stake in previous lifetimes.

But I’m so glad of how far I’ve come. I’ve got God, my Higher Self, my angels and guides to thank. The more I joined with them this year, the more I felt supported to journey this path of authenticity.  And the more connected I felt – to my Self and everyone else too.

When you allow our Light to shine and then share that Light with others, there’s no way you can feel lonely.  You’ll feel so connected to the Divine Consciousness in All That Is no matter if you’re alone in a room for a week painting or out and about socializing and networking.

So let us see you – truly see you. And if you don’t know how to do that, ask your Divine Helpers to show you. They’re always there to help. You’re never alone. All you have to do is ask. Their unconditional love is always flowing your way. You only need to open up to receive.

I also recommend the Real Love books.

And don’t worry if some people don’t accept you for who you are. It’s better to know that right away than 2 years later. Keep showing yourself and soon enough, you’ll find like-minded and like-hearted authentic people to hang out and do business with.  It all starts with you.

So let go of loneliness this holiday season. Happy re-connection!

If you feel inspired by the paintings I’ve used to illustrate this post, you can get the originals and prints in my online shop. For more information on my intuitive readings (or to get a gift certificate), click here.

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Is Your Work Devoid of You?

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"Humble"- a photograph of the fall forest floor

“Humble” from the Treedom Photograpahy Collection – available as a print on canvas or paper

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! Our Canadian one was in October.

One thing I’m grateful for is honest friends – totally upfront ones.

I spent a full day this week designing a brochure to bring my art to the attention of interior designers and corporations.

For months I’ve visualized my Treedom Collection gracing the walls of some big business, bringing the energy of Mother Nature into the work environment. Can you see it?

But my website and marketing materials are geared more to individuals who are on a path of spiritual growth.

So I tried designing a brochure that was more… corporate.

After 8 hours of sitting at the computer, I was done … and done in.

Right before leaving the house for the evening, I sent it to my friend Glen for feedback. He’s a genius at design.

When I got home and read his email, I sighed with relief.

“You may be sorry you asked. At the risk of offending your work…I feel it is clinical, sterile and otherwise boring… You are an incredible artist and there is not one artistic item in your brochure…it is an oasis of bland…”

His words mirrored the frustration of my day.  There’s a reason I felt out of alignment and wasn’t enjoying my task. In an attempt to please others or fit in, I’d taken my Self right out of the picture.

How are you doing this in your career?  If your work isn’t aligned with your Higher Self, you’ll feel it.

It’s important to listen to our internal guidance system.

I’ve heard countless stories of successful people – no matter what their definition of success was – and their success relied on them showing their true colours.

So back to the drawing board for me. What about you?

How can you bring more of who you truly are into your work?  Your voice is unique and beautiful. Don’t muffle it.

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Abundance – What My Guides Had to Say

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November-2015-Vision-Board

Have you ever done an Intuitive Vision Board? They’re a fun and easy way to tap into your guidance. I did one on abundance on Sunday. Now I’ve got 2 clear areas to focus on for the next few months.

Step 1: Asking
After preparing myself and the space, I asked for Guidance.

The question I wrote on the back of my new board is “How do I welcome more financial abundance?”

As you know, I’m nearing the end of my first year as a full-time arts entrepreneur after nearly 30 years of doing it part-time. It’s been an amazing year with the creation of my website/online shop and the Universal Law Mandalas. But I need more income if I want to remain a full-time artist.

Step 2: Receiving

I then put the timer on for 20 minutes and started tearing words and pictures out of magazines without thinking. I simply tuned into what appealed to me.

Step 3: Interpreting

When the 20 minutes was up, I started cutting the pieces and arranging my board while reflecting on the meaning of the messages.

Here’s what I got:

Keep Doing the Inner Work

  • focus on my vision
  • go back to my paraliminal CDs to realign my mindset around abundance and success
  • practice thought awareness
  • make sure I go to bed with happy thoughts so I can wake up the same way
  • live in the moment
  • keep being open to inspiration and appreciation for life’s small and big wonders
  • spend time visualizing the end feeling and the pleasure of the journey
  • have faith in outside the box business
  • take time in nature for that body-mind-spirit connection

Keep Doing the Outer Work:

  • Look for outside opportunities to share my unique art & inspiration
  • let people know the value of my work
  • write news releases
  • contribute to magazines and blogs
  • think 3-year plan with room for flexibility – set goals

What a great 1-hour business coaching session with my Guides / intuition.

There’s a whole lot more to being a full-time artist than creating the art. Now my right/intuitive brain and my left/action brain have their work to do.

I’m curious … this is the second board “Ireland” appears on this year. I wonder if I’ll be taking my mandalas there?!

If you’ve got a question you want guidance on, have fun with these “7 Easy Steps to Create An Intuitive Vision Board”.

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As Promised – 21 Days Later… The Results

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"Presence" from the Treedom Photography Collection available on canvas and paper

“Presence” from the Treedom Photography Collection available on canvas and paper

Remember my October 27th post about taking 21 days off movies because I’d grown too dependent on them?  Well, my 21 Days are over, and here are the results.

Did I break the movie habit? Yes!

Was it easy?  No!

I confess, at first, I felt the same irritation I’d seen when smokers quit cold turkey.  It took about a week for the withdrawal pains to stop being so noticeable.  That’s proof I’d become addicted.

What I didn’t tell you is that I was also pausing my chip habit. Yes, I am a health food nut… But I’m also a chipaholic.

And you all know that chips and movies go great together. Right?!

I’m not stopping forever. In fact, I celebrated the end of my movie-hiatus by going to see “Le garagiste” at our local francophone festival. The screenwriter/director gave an inspiring talk beforehand, reinforcing my beliefs in following-through on artistic dreams.  Then, 2 days later, a couple of friends came over to celebrate my accomplishment with a movie/chip party. That’ll be enough chips for a while…

And I won’t be doing the movie thing daily anymore.  I’ve become more conscious about my choices again.

So what did I do instead?  Here’s a list of what I chose to do each day whenever the urge to watch a movie hit.  It doesn’t include all the creative work, business tasks, meetings, social outings, etc. that were already planned. These are just the in-the-moment substitutes when I would have rather gone to bed with Netflix. Yes, that’s probably a substitute too 🙂

  1. cleaned the studio & washroom
  2. painted an extra few hours
  3. went for a walk & scenic drive with friends
  4. creative visualization to music
  5. did yoga at night (usually in the morning) and ironed my new Kaliyana collection
  6. listened to the book “Kinship with All Life” while painting
  7. played with my neighbour’s dogs & went for a walk to an old cemetery I’d wanted to visit for 1.5 years
  8. did my own guided meditation
  9. dance party for 1
  10. socialized with my housemate and her cousin longer than I would’ve
  11. had no time to think of movies – worked from 3:30am – 11pm
  12. designed my mandala calendar (O.K. so the goal was not to fill my time with more work, but…)
  13.  work…
  14. designed little decks of mandala cards in a pouch (work, but again, so much fun!)
  15. explored the world of Facebook – yikes! so easy to fall out of alignment there…
  16. wrote a card to my parents for my birthday
  17. went for a drive and then to an art show opening and talk about the Manolis L oil spill here in NL.
  18. invited myself to a dinner with my housemate and her friends (who are also my friends)
  19. worked some more
  20. meditated and listened to Abraham Hicks
  21. didn’t even think of movies 🙂

There’s nothing wrong with movies or chips (especially when you bless and give thanks for them), but over dependency on anything isn’t healthy. So I’m glad I took a break.

What about you? Are you making or breaking any habits?  All it takes is 21 days!

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When Angels Send a Sign to Spend – My Kaliyana Surprise

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My birthday came a few weeks early!

Imagine this.  You see something on the Internet and your whole body says YES!. That’s sign enough. But then your Guides confirm your momentum through the angel in a movie who tells you: “go ahead girl, splurge!”.

I did! And I love the results! I feel like it’s the start of a new chapter in my story. I’m curious to see where it goes.

Want to know how shopping with the angels works? Read on.

Financial Background Story

This has been an expensive year. I’ve invested a lot of time and money getting my art & inspiration business online and moving forward: B-School, website building & hosting, marketing, trade shows, art supplies, the Enter the Mandala Project, product development, exhibitions, etc.

No regrets. After traveling to Europe and Asia to study visionary art for a year, I’m following my dream of being a full-time thriving artist and trust in the process.

But I’ve avoided spending on anything but the essentials:  housing, food, and art /business.

That’s until a few weeks ago…  My angels gave me permission to spend.

My Kaliyana Her-Story

284242_493057217380877_449955604_nYou might already know that I’m a huge fan of Kaliyana Artwear.  I discovered this clothing store soon after it opened in the late 80s. I was working as a visual arts representative for the National Capital Commission in Ottawa and the style fit my artistic flare and first full-time salary.

I became a collector – what every artist dreams of 🙂

I’ve got great memories of Jana closing her doors so we could play dress-up, exploring the many ways her designs could be worn.  Her art was so me! It was unconventional yet comfortable – flowy, colourful, beautiful, practical … I’ve always loved how I feel in it! 

Later, when I was traveling the world teaching English, it crossed my mind that if ever I was found dead somewhere, they’d be able to figure out who I was because of the Kaliyana label on all my clothes.  I know…  too many crime shows… but I’ve always had a very active detective mind.

Now, Kaliyana’s located near the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa as well as in Toronto and Montreal. Her styles are more sophisticated and so are her prices.  I’m still a fan!

A Few Weeks Ago

12046689_1063659193654007_1264310227788558562_nTalk about marketing genius and a true win-win.

A few weeks ago, this ad appeared on Kaliyana’s Facebook Page.

15 mystery pieces from previous years’ stock for only $299.

That’s over $2000 in savings on styles that never go out of style!  I still get compliments on pieces I bought 20 years ago!

100 boxes would soon be released in 3 sizes (XS, S/M, M/L).

It wasn’t just about the savings though. My inner child was jumping around inside wanting to play dress-up.  The idea of a Kaliyana surprise experience was too good to miss. Plus my wardrobe needed a new infusion.

A Sign From My Angels

imgresThat night, I decided to watch a children’s movie on Netflix instead of the usual dramas.  (Note, this was before my 21-Day movie hiatus).

I chose “Angel in the House“.

The husband in this story had an old-fashioned toy factory that was on the verge of going bankrupt.

One day, this orphan / angel inspires him to create …. guess what?!  That’s right. A Surprise Box!  It was a lovely wooden box with a question mark on and 5 of his toys in it.

Of course they sold like hotcakes and the couple’s home was saved…

Well, what are the chances I’d watch a movie with a Surprise Box in it so soon after seeing a Surprise Box ad that had me excited with anticipation.

It was a Sign. Can you see that?

I Did It!

So when the email arrived saying they were now on sale, I didn’t hesitate.

Good thing because they sold out in a couple of hours. (They’ll be doing it again in the future, so if this appeals, sign-up.)

I’ve learned to trust the signs I get from my Angels / Guides / intuition. The more you trust, the more they speak to you.  Or rather, the more you practice, the more you’ll learn to hear their ways of speaking to you.

Got it!

I had fun waiting for my box.  I visualized loving everything in it.  I celebrated my choice to play and say yes to what brings me joy.  I welcomed the abundance. I embraced the mystery and knew that no-matter-what, all was well indeed.

The day it came, I ran to my room, dimmed the lights, reached inside, took one piece out at a time, put it on, and turned up the lights to see what I’d gotten. Then I’d run downstairs to show my delighted housemate.

Truly, my inner child had a lot of fun with this.

  • I totally loved 8 pieces, including a beige linen wrap around skirt I would’ve never picked in the store. I’ve never done beige.
  • I’m not sure the big green shirt was meant to be reversible, but I especially love it inside out!
  • I was hoping for red linen pants and got some!
  • Only 3 pieces didn’t fit or suit me, so I’ll bring those to a consignment shop or give them away.
  • I got a cotton tank top that’s too tight around the hips, but I can wear it under stuff (nice neckline – not shown in photos).
  • That purple top and scarf are my ultimate favourites!
  • The design on the long black krinkle dress is gorgeous, but hard to see in the photo.
  • Can you count 11?  Everything here is new, but I look forward to accessorizing when I go out.

Thanks to my friend Leslie Bridger, the Wizard of Awe, who came by with her camera, so I could show you what I’d gotten. Can you see the goosebumps? It was chilly, but fun.

So there you have it. I’ve been dressed by angels.

Now that I’ve finished my website and painting the mandalas, it’s time to get out of happy hermit mode and into the community.

Who knows, maybe it’s time to meet a man who’s willing to grow side by side with me in unconditional love.

But first, what will I wear to tonight’s  opening of the 38th Annual Garden & Nature Art Exhibition at the MUN Botanical Garden?  I’ve got 2 paintings in that show.

Thanks Kaliyana for the past 26 years of adding to my journey of exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.

Click to visit my online shop and see if your angels move you to delight Your Self and support me in my art
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