As usual our Monday nights LIVE on Helmar UStream are filled with fun, chatting and lots of creativity. Last Monday was no exception! Being my last LIVE UStream for 2011 I wanted to take the time to talk about the business of the holidays and the thanks for those who tune in Live. It really is an opportunity to just create and not over-think things. I think we as artists tend to overthink and look for that perfection and during the holidays that is multiplied by 10! Tuesday I shared my much needed "Attic Time Out" and I heard from several of you………..
"Hey Tracy, I just wanted to email you b/c your ustream broadcast rocked last night. I wasn't able to watch it live b/c I had an awful day that culminated in me sitting comatose on the couch after the kids were finally in bed. It's been SO frustrating lately, I feel like Christmas, as much as I love the season, I also hate it and I literally said that last night to my hubby in the midst of my breakdown. LOL Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing a part of yourself with us all each week. It's nice to know that you are human, too. Sometimes I look at FB statuses and think that I'm the only one failing as a mother that day, week or even month it feels. As I look back on my week, I see that I haven't done one bit of creative play just for myself. And today, again, as I try to regain some sanity by art journaling, my decoupage won't open, then I pull out the new one and now my gesso won't open. *sigh* I feel like the cards have been stacked against me this week and I ask why and cry on the inside as I admit defeat while trying to save face in front of my kiddos. And I know for all things considered, I'm truly blessed. I'm able to stay home with my kiddos while hubby works hard and I work at night just part time. I am grateful for that, truly, but sometimes I wish I could have a "day off" as well. LOL But I guess as moms, we don't get that luxury. Anyway, I'm trying to think of the blessings rather than the defeat I feel in this particular moment. I saw your Christmas cards and have to say that I think you are an amazing mom – I loved what your son said about you being a figure it out hero. That MUST have had you beaming on the inside and out. I don't know your situation but I see you as a strong and beautiful single mom. Your kids certainly look happy whenever I see them and it's obvious the love you have as a family together. Anyway, I guess I'm just taking my attic time out as I write this email to you. And maybe you can ask the gesso fairies to cut me a break and loosen the lid a little for me?!? LOL ;)"
and…….
"You know Tracy…you always seem to uplift…I'm in one of those "feel sorry…blue funk" kind of mood. It got even worse last night when I couldn't get blasted uStream to work properly so I could laugh at…I mean…with you {wink…wink} while you created. I can't seem to get a grip but I can at least create {phew}. Thank you for sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of life and make it seem all possible!!!………" ~M
I thank you for messages like that. I am just a simple girl, an artist who sometimes bares her soul and knowing I made just a small difference means the world to me.
So with that I am sharing the finished page from my Art Journal that we created TOGETHER:
It serves as a reminder this holiday season to take the much needed time for yourself. If you have nothing left, you have nothing to give. That will also give you time to stop and be in the moment…….Just BE!
MATERIALS LIST:
- Helmar Adhesives – Gemstone Glue, 450 Quick Dry & Liquid Scrap Dots
- Helmar Crystal Kote (Matte or Finish) to seal project
- Dew Drops – The Robin's Nest
- Glitter
- Paints – DecoArt (Purple Cow, Black Forest Green, Foliage Green)
- Gesso
- Holly & Holly Leaves – Michael's
- Gold Leafing Pen – Krylon
- Inian Ink – Winsor & Newton
- Gold Chain
- Ribbon – Offrey
- Charcoal Pencil
The fun was all the details added to bring it to life!
If you missed the LIVE Show you can catch half of it here. Unfortunately, we have some Ustream technical issues (sorry folks but it is free) so only half the show recorded HERE:
The last part of my show was thanking all of you who participate and tune in. "Glue Mom" and "Glue Dad" really get a kick out of the conversation and it humbles me every week that you log in and allow little 'ole me share my passion for art and even sometimes entertain you. There are a lot of hubbies out there listening to you guys laughing and wondering what we are doing. I LOVE THAT! The emails and comments I get make my week! We do share something amazing. I thank you for bringing that out of me in 2011. Crazy to think that the girl who is petrified of talking in front of people is doing this. 2012 is going to be amazing and I have some things in the works that you guys have been asking for! You gotta love that. So with that I just want to say…………THANK YOU from the bottom of my artist heart (and you guys know how much I love those hearts LOL).
All my best in preparation for the Holidays ahead and remember to TAKE TIME FOR YOU! That includes that much needed artist time we need to purge our souls.
"Be the type of person you want to meet – You attract what you are. If you want to attract awesome people, decide that YOU are awesome. It's not vain or conceited. It's the biggest gift you will EVER give yourself, other people and the world" ~Unknown