ignite the spark

A little bit of what has been inspiring me this week:

I am not sure how I discovered Aidan Donnelley Rowley but I am so glad I did.  Her words resonate with me and the below three post will open you up.  

     There is another way

     Me Too Moments

     Giving Ourselves Permission

I am also in love this post by Andrea Scher.  We all need to toot our own horns every once in awhile.  We are living big in our lives.  Accomplishing things day after day.  So go ahead...toot your own horn!  

My dear friend Mindy Tsonas has been cracking me wide open.  She opens up her doors to others on a regular basis and each time she does goodness ensues.  She has also been having really honest conversations about her open marriage.  Sign up for her mailing list to get her love letters delivered right to your inbox.  How she stands in her truth will blow you way and inspire you to stand in your own.  
 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.  If you are in the states, enjoy the extra day off.  xo

ignite the spark

Greg Hindy is 22 years old.  He is an artist inspired by America and is walking from New Hampshire to California in silence.  Yes you heard that right, silence!  Could you imagine?  

He doesn't have a cell phone.  He doesn't have any electronics.  He is simply just walking and appreciating the world.  He is documenting his journey through photographs.  

Photos of Greg sent by people who have met him during his walk can be round here.  It is so inspiring to see his journey.  

"It's not just the things people don't notice, it's the things they get out of their way not to see" Hindy wrote in one of his notes.  

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Mabel is coming and boy does she look pretty.  Can't wait to hold the first issue in my hands.  

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And if you haven't seen this amazing TED talk yet you will definitely want to tune in.  

"Its not my job to judge the work.  It's only my job to make the work." Jolie Guillebeau

Jolie is an artist, a teacher, a storyteller. Daily rituals and frequent collaboration with others energize her and fuel her creativity. Back in 2010, she set a goal to paint 100 paintings in 100 days. Instead she kept the project going for three and a half years, sharing stories along with the paintings.

ignite the spark

I am a big fan of Jennifer Lawrence.  She is honest, confidante, and real.  She is never afraid to laugh at herself, and seems so incredibly genuine.  These clips of her had me loving her even more.  

Totally in love with Book Book.  I have the case for my phone and laptop.  Before I had it for my phone I was constantly locked out of work because I would forget my Work ID.  Now it is always on me because I always have my phone.  What a life saver.  

If you are ever in need of a little laughter, watch this video.  

Every Christmas Love Actually is a must watch!  But even in Spring I still enjoy it.  And this is one of my favorite moments from this film.  

Have you heard of Creative Live?  It is a place where you can watch free online classes taught by the world's top instructors.  They have classes in Photo & Video, Art & Design, Music & Audio, Maker & Crafter, and Business & Money.  It is so good!!

ignite the spark

It wasn't that long ago when I was extremely shy.  I wanted to blend in.  Wasn't sure how to begin or even carry on a conversation.  I wanted to take risk, but was also so timid of the world.  Throughout my journey there has been so much inspiration from others that has helped me get to where I am today . . . 

Stronger, braver, ready to face the world with courage.  

Today I would like to pay tribute to some of these individuals and experiences.  

The journey out of my shell began with me pursuing the book store and stumbling upon SARK.  Her book; Succulent Wild Women first caught my attention because of the colors and the font feeling like handwriting.  I savored every line in this book and have gone back to it time and time again.  So much so that the pages are falling out.  

SARK'S book introduced me to Andrea Scher and opened up the world of blogging.  I never realized so much support, encouragement, and open heart was out there on the internet.  I became an avid ready of Andrea's blog, and still am today.  She is wonderful!  

In 2008 Andrea taught at Squam Arts Workshops.  I took a risk and attended totally unsure of what the experience would entail.  What I encountered was beyond amazing.  Not only was there this encouraging and loving world online, but these people really existed.  And in person they cheered each other on even louder.  

Elizabeth, the founder of squam, has this amazing ability to create magic.  It is hard to put into words the life changing experience that squam is and has been for me.  {P.S. this spring I will be teaching a mini writing workshop there and am head over heels excited.  A total dream come true!}

At squam I was shy.  I sat back observing this magic, but wasn't sure how I fit into it.  Along the way I met Kelly Barton and had no idea that day, that we would develop such a wonderful friendship.  I know no matter what that I can turn to her.  

The following year I attended the Be Present Retreat hosted by the amazing Liz Lamoreux. Having one retreat under my belt I showed up more confidante and comfortable in myself.  It was during this time near the sea that I met the most stunning souls who have become like sisters to me.  It was also here where I first started to believe in myself as a writer.  

The journey to finding me has been a slow and steady one.  The above mentions are just the beginning.  Next Friday I will continue my story and let you know how I found my voice.