Re-Inventing Yourself

I have so much to write about that I don't even know where to begin!
This trip began as one thing and turned into something much, much more!

I went to The Creative Connection with the intention of business.
I went as a vendor, and to possibly network as well.
I was nervous, like I told you before...I was intimidated by all the well-known artists, afraid of what kind of reaction I would get about my work, and a little anxious that I was wasting my time and money on such a big trip.

God had so many more plans than business for me while I was there.  :) 

 (my vendor booth, 8 x 10 feet)

I met the most amazing people while I was there. 

People were kind, supportive, and fun!  They were genuine, friendly, and so creative.  The inspiration was a huge buzz...

I went to a panel discussion one morning that featured five women, including Kelly Rae Roberts, Melody Ross, Leigh Stanley (Curly Girl) and Susan Branch.

They were discussing their stories and how they got where they are today in the creative business.

And the main thing I kept hearing was the story of authenticity.

That they were just themselves.

That their art was an extension of their own life stories, not bits and pieces of anyone else's.

And I felt affirmed, I felt validated, I felt like I was "enough"...

I realized that God had brought me to this place so I could really settle into myself...that I could feel comfortable in my own skin, that I could celebrate me!  That not everyone is going to love my art, and that is totally okay...

It was such a freeing moment.

 (custom pillow wall)

I've been working as an artist for over 10 years now.

I have gone through so many phases..

It wasn't until just this year that my work became faith-based.

Did you know that?

I finally feel like I am in my groove...

I finally feel like this is the work I was meant to do...

and the fear of turning away people who aren't Christian is gone.

It's okay.

I am not here to please everyone, I am here to please my Lord and Saviour, and my prayer, everyday, is that his truth and light shine through me as a vessel. 

What a life-changing realization...

 (wall of prints)

I think I had it in my head somewhere that I had to be this certain person.

I'm not quite sure who that person was, but the thought of re-invention in your late 30's seemed sort of ridiculous to me.

I realized this weekend that we are all constantly re-inventing ourselves.  Our tastes change.  Our feelings change.  Our outward apprearances change.

And that is actually a great thing!  A fun thing!  A time to celebrate seasons in our life and the possiblity of growth.

("Take your Time", new pillow)

So, here I am at home now.
Back with my beloved family and children.
Feeling re-charged, inspired, and blessed.

I have lots of new products to list in the esty shop: new checkbook covers, list makers, and pillows.
I will start listing them soon!
But I am going to paint today!  I have to celebrate my new inspiration with some new scripture prints.

Thanks for being part of my journey.
My blog is a big part of my whole creative process, and I so appreciate all the support I receive here.
xoxoxoxo