Dirty Footprints Studio

A New BIG Goes On Sale Today!!!

2012-02-13T06:00:00.003-07:00

My little guy is expected to arrive late April and I have been mindfully and lovingly making space--not only in our home, but in my life and heart as well.
And here's the thing....I love BIG.
I love it with all my heart--and it is one of my greatest joys in my life to share the FEARLESS® Painting Process with other women and guide them on their path for those 6 weeks.
I debated to just take a break from BIG until this Summer when sweet Gummi will already have made his grand entrance and (hopefully) we'll have settled into a nice pace....but that didn't feel right.
The beauty of BIG, for me, is that I learn and am inspired incredibly each time by the women that grace me with their courage and creativity in BIG. It is truly an Adventure--but more like a deep journey inward. Because of this, I feel it is important that I share BIG one more time before taking a break--but this BIG that goes on sale today will be a little different than the rest--and will be at a much cheaper price as well to compensate for the difference. But it will still be an amazing FEARLESS® Painting Adventure intended to touch your heart, deepen your connection with your Creative Source, and strengthen your confidence as an Artist.
For this 10th Tribe of BIG that starts Sunday, March 11th--I will only be offering Package #1--and in Package #1 you will receive everything but the weekly online chats. That means all weekly videos, discussions, pdf's, inspirational emails, and personal feedback will be available. But I will be taking a break from doing the online chats.
This feels right--and I'm super excited to journey with my next--and 10th Tribe of FEARLESS® Painters to venture through BIG!!!
To learn more about BIG, to read what past FEARLESS® Painters have said about this great experience, and to register please go HERE!
And--please note, I limit registration every time to insure that everyone receives the love and attention they deserve! BIG always sells out--so act quickly!! And if you would like a payment plan, don't hesitate to email me for details.

BIG $95.00Sunday, March 11 - Saturday, April 21, 2012

I can't wait to paint FEARLESS® with you!!

Snippets From The Studio

2012-02-10T06:00:00.002-07:00

Just a few snippets from my studio this week. No painting. No Art. That painting you actually see hanging on my metal shelves is the one that I created for my wishBIG workshop: Let It Loose coming up in the Wish Studio Winter Ecamp real soon! But other than that....because I'm still nursing a cold...the only thing I've done in my studio this week is play my beloved harmonium--and you'd be surprised how healing it really is.

And guess what---BIG goes on sale this Monday!!! A new tribe starts up again March 11th! See you then!

Basically....How I Run My Business

2012-02-09T11:43:00.003-07:00

Just a little doodle I did!

Here's something I've never shared with all of you before. Last year--and even a few months before last year--I started working on major plans to open an actual brick-&-mortar Dirty Footprints Studio here in Arizona. We're talking serious plans where I pulled in the help of a serious business coach, a few business consultants, and even some folks from my bank to help guide me to make this happen. I did market research, looked at various buildings, and I even had a "business plan"--which in my case looks more like a FEARLESS® Painting / map--then it does anything Warren Buffet might see come across his desk.

But anyways, my whole reasoning behind beginning this journey was three things.

1. Even though my heart really wants to make Dirty Footprints Studio's world headquarters in Costa Rica, I felt why not give it a start here where you are already. Sort of a "test run".

2. It seemed like the next step I should "logically" do in building my business.

3. My pride and ego wanted the challenge of making this happen. I'm admitting it.

So, forgive me, I'm going to leave a lot of the details out and skip right to mid-August. It was summer time here and I found the perfect place. It had huge ceilings and very cool cement floors--perfect to get messy on--and it was in the perfect area--and I wanted it. I wanted it bad.

It was a bit out of my budget--but my clever mind came up with endless possibilities to make it happen. I told Hansel, my friends, family, and business consultant team--and everyone was just as excited as I was and supportive up the kazoo.

Then shortly, one day I woke up, ready to take on the world, and started driving to the place to talk to the leasing agent when I felt it. I knew. Like I had heard before years ago when it came time to quit my job--that same strong and confidant voice came to me again and said No, don't do it. Not here. Not now. Not Arizona. This is not your dream.

And every ounce of my body knew this was not what I was suppose to be doing. I grabbed my cell phone, cancelled my appointment, and turned around and went home.

A week later exactly I learned that I was pregnant. And I was beyond relieved that I never went through with the building. I would have been way, way, way over my head--and Dirty Footprints Studio which brings me so much fulfillment and joy to my life already--would have turned into a trap for added stress and hardship with the new circumstances at hand.

The thing is--during my whole planning, researching, and hunt for the perfect place of Dirty Footprints Studio, I was not being directed by my heart. I could tell you countless times that my heart yelled at me to slow down, be quiet, and just listen--but my mind pushed ahead. My mind had a better plan. And my ego, above all, knew what it wanted to quench it's desire to always be the best and to fulfill some crazy BIG dream.

But the truth is, I let go of having a BIG dream anymore. Years ago my BIG dream was to quit my job and finally live a life in alignment with my truth--a life that I was certain I could support myself from as well. And I did that--I am doing that now. But in truth--that's as BIG as it gets. And I'm happy with that.

My real dream is a dream that both Hansel and I share--and have shared for a very long time. And that is to have our own place in Costa Rica. We want to be near the ocean and live off the land and in alignment with Mother Nature--and all I really want is a cute little space to host FEARLESS® Painting retreats and to paint and do yoga in. That's it. And ok, maybe to some that seems larger than life.

But to me it feels simple. Sweet. I envision it without drama or glitter and loads of hoopla.

It's quiet.

On top of it all--I don't want to touch the masses. I don't want to save the world or reach a million fans. I just want to be around kindred souls--and I'm honest enough to know that any kindred soul of myself is few and far between. I just want to attract those folks. That's it. Put on my love antennas and gather us together in Costa Rica or until then--online or Sedona.

I want softness. I want light.

When I was planning, researching, and doing all those things to open a Dirty Footprints Studio here it was never soft or light. It was hard, rigid, and driven. It was strategic and highly analytical.

That was the biggest clue that it was all wrong.

All very wrong.

Now, I don't want you to think that I move into anything ever blindly, for that certainly isn't true. I am a Capricorn that appreciates her research and the comfort of knowing that my mind's on board.

But my captain is my heart.

And many times there has been mutiny on this ship of mine--where the heart became lost at sea.

Luckily, I've gotten wiser with age--and now turn the ship around sooner to rescue her, even if it means a longer voyage to my destination.

Even if it means letting go of ever having a BIG dream.

How Things Change

2012-02-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Hansel and I toured the birthing center where little Gummi will make his grand entrance in a few months. It was really a bit overwhelming and emotional for me--which I didn't expect. For one thing, hospitals have always been a bit unnerving to me. I can feel the energy there really strongly--and it is uncomfortable. But this place that we have chosen, which is a bit out of the way driving wise--it had a feel that was more natural and grounding to me. Even though it is located in a hospital--it didn't feel like a hospital. The hallways were quiet, secluded, and had such a softness to them from just the energy, feel, and the lighting.

But it was these little things--like seeing the baby bassinet or the quick glimpse of a pediatrician picking up a newborn with a teeny tiny butt--and my eyes would all swell up with tears.

Never in my wildest dreams, in my whole life, would I have ever thought or imagined that I would be here. That I would be wobbling the halls of a birthing center--that bassinets and baby beanies and little overalls would get me all choked up and teary eyed.

And then, later in the evening, Hansel and I had to attend our first of five birthing classes together as well. Another moment I was in awe that I was even here.

There was about ten couples--all different ages snuggled together on little couches ready to become first time parents. It was nice to simply be in a room with other pregnant women.

I'll admit, up until last night, I have been a bit ~~nervous~~ terrified about the whole birthing process. I've read quite a few books on it and talked to many women--but it wasn't until last night when we watched these great videos with computer generated explanations of how the whole mechanics, anatomy, and process of pregnancy and birth work that I was absolutely blown away.

Of course there were tears again.

But wow. Our birthing teacher is so great--because not only did she explain how all the obvious stuff works during pregnancy and birth--but how their relationship to the other organs in our body play effect in this perfect plan created by Mother Nature to prepare us physically and even emotionally for becoming a mother.

This is what blew me away. This little bit of information, and being a visual learner--I needed to see it to really soak it in.

Part of me feels like I am becoming a mother. And the part of me sees there is nothing to become.

I think of all the things I have given birth to in my life. All the ways I have nurtured others--nurtured myself--nurtured the planet and animals. I think of all the ways mothering is organically part of who we are as women--if we ever partake in giving birth to children or not.

We as women are so incredibly connected to Creative Source--to Mother Nature--to the Universe--that it is scripted right here in our own DNA.

I walked out of that birthing class last night with a new deeper understanding of who I am--and even deeper appreciation for the beautiful, incredible vessel I have been blessed with.

I no am longer surprised to be where I am right now in my life. I no longer see this pregnancy and this little life about to change everything for Hansel and I as some great unknown.

I know now.

Everything in my life has prepared me for this.
Everything has been set in place and delivered perfect as Mother Nature planned.
Like a seed falling next to a river and becoming a tree.
There are no surprises or detours--there is just the natural order of everything.

And with that, I align myself again and again.
I trust.
I believe.

I embrace this new journey--I am in love with this beautiful adventure
more and more each day.

I am for the first time in my life--truly grateful.
Truly grateful in the most magnificent way.

All I Have To Do

2012-02-06T06:00:00.008-07:00

For almost a week now I've been terribly sick fighting a nasty cold. The only relief comes in the form of water. Salt baths, the neti pot, hot water with lemon and honey, eucalyptus steams under my pink fluffy towel.

Well, water and sunsets.

Every night I've been making a point to sit in my red chair with my feet perched on the window sill watching the sunset. At first I think of all the other things I want to be doing--or more like "should" be doing--then I bring myself to the amazing colors and I surrender.

It's funny when you finally detach yourself from your mind how amazing the world can be. When I finally give in to being sick. When I finally stop thinking should/would/coulds. When I finally just let myself show up and be. Right here. Right now. Right the way I am.

Everything appears perfect.

When I'm sick I always learn how addicted I am to doing. How obsessed I am with filling every moment of my life with something. Creating, thinking, making, writing, painting, this, that, anything.

When right next to me is a sunset. Right besides me are my three sweet furry children. Right inside me is new life kicking and swirling. Right in my home is a man that loves me more than sunsets or the moon and the universe altogether. Right in my life are friends and inspiration and everything I will always need to survive. To thrive. To simply just show up and be.

So why do I push myself so? Why do I shove so much into this one beautiful existence I possess? Where does this energetic gluttony come from?

When I get sick, it's always a blessing.

It's always the exact medicine I need.

It's always a reminder to let me know that my life is more than what I do. What I create. What I share or launch into the world with gusto.

It's about these little things.

How pumpkin orange bleeds into goldenrod and fades to sweet tangerine across the sky.
How Hansel's voice feels like a feather brushing against my ear.
How the window against the sole of my foot is cool and hard.
How my belly is expanding and stretching.

How nothing is permanent.
Everything is temporary.

And I,
All I have to do is be
Here.

FEARLESS® Inspiration :: Nolwenn Petitbois

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's a pretty freaking awesome painting, huh?!?
And I especially love to watch the process behind it.
But the coolest thing of all?!?
Nolwenn is one of the teachers in 21 SECRETS!

Love Should Be The Juice

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Five Dancing by Magdalena Abakanowicz at the Phoenix Art Museum.

When you begin to thank life for having your buttons pushed,

you are at the next level.

~ Mooji

Last week, at my live online chat for BIG, an interesting topic evolved from our discussion. One that I feel strongly about and believe is a quality of an outstanding teacher....and that has to do with rules.

In BIG I have one main rule--a rule, that I have to admit, many of my FEARLESS® Painters wiggle around or sometimes purely ignore. That one main rule is that you are not permitted to paint over your painting while you are in BIG.

If you make a mistake--it is an opportunity for you to move in a new direction.

If you don't like something--it is an opportunity for you to find ease and space around the things that are uncomfortable--to look at your painting through a new lens.

To expand.

To grow.

To become FEARLESS® in embracing the here and now--the who you are completely.

(Now can you see why my FEARLESS® Painters wiggle around this rule--or bluntly ignore it?)

I have lovingly and mindfully put this one little rule in place for the overall development of my FEARLESS® Painters.

The purpose behind BIG is not to paint a pretty picture. The internet is flooded with online classes that will guide you in doing that.

The purpose behind BIG is to help you cultivate FEARLESS® confidence in your own voice. In your own purpose. In your own creative being.

Contrary to what many people believe, for that to happen, there needs to be rules established that will create an environment where the FEARLESS® Painter comes up against themselves. Where their buttons are pushed. Where there is struggle even.

Many times people associate creativity with a total free for all, or spiritual transformation with a seamless gooey ooey feeling.

But let's look at our own lives? When did you ever make huge leaps and bounds in your own development as a person because everything in your life was going smooth sailing?

We grow from the rough patches--from the things that challenge us.

An outstanding teacher will purposely and lovingly create those rough patches for their students so they can grow.

Believe me, this is a huge undertaking for a teacher to do. That is why it is crucial that your complete heart must be fully invested in your student's development if your rules are going to work. And you yourself must be clear in what your rules are for. Because sometimes your students will resist--will be angry--or even leave.

But an outstanding teacher knows not to back down. Their tantrums or negative reactions to your rules are not because the teacher has failed, but rather because the student is not ready to receive.

The only remedy I have to resolve that--is to simply love them more.

Love should be the juice behind every rule you make.

Five spaces remain in IGNITE.

Go HERE for more information

& to begin your journey to becoming an outstanding teacher!

Sometimes I Hate Painting

2012-02-01T06:00:00.012-07:00

This weekend I got up early and decided no matter what I would paint.

I attached a piece of paper to my easel and started.

Bada boom. Bada bang.

And what started off nicely in the photo above--

began to take a turn to the dark side.

It got worse.

And worse.

Until finally I just let the freaking painting have it and went full blown ugly nasty on it.

And when I was done screwing it up--I finally decided no more.

I hated it. I took it off the easel and put it in the garbage can without even waiting for the paint dry.

But it's just another day in the studio.

I didn't over analyze it--or let myself go down the road of thinking my creativity is over--my talent is gone--I'm less of an Artist--blah blah blah.

The truth is that part of being an Artist--part of being a FEARLESS® Painter--is sometimes what you create is absolute shit.

Doesn't mean you lost it or that you're less of anything.

It just means it was one of those days. End of story.

Creativity is fluid--it's like a river that needs to flow--
but sometimes it hits obstacles in its path--
sometimes it sits in pools growing algae--
and sometimes it's a white water rapid full of energy and electricity.

So you want to be an Artist? You want to be one with this thing called creativity?

Then your mission is to stay in the boat.
Your job is to just keep paddling.

The Return Of The Pod

2012-01-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Pod sketches. Ink and colored pencil.

Last year right around this time I started painting THESE pod paintings and THESE pod paintings and THESE pod paintings. Yep--I was all about these organic, root-like, intestinal-like, pepper-like, amebic-like shapes. And then---just like that, I got it out of my system and moved on.

The strange thing is, well, maybe it's really not that strange to be honest, but, these pod like shapes have danced their way in and out of my life throughout the years. There was even a time in my early twenties in Art School that I was drawing and painting them then. Then--right before leaving Cleveland, Ohio six years ago--I was experimenting with making them out of clay.

I have no real ideas what they mean--or if they fit some greater purpose of some sort. I really don't care. I just enjoy making them.

Kind of like some folks get a kick out of zentangles or mandalas.

I have a thing for drawing jabba the hutt type shapes.

So that's what I've been up to on the Art front. Just me, some ink, and a few Prisma colored pencils.

It Certainly Is

2012-01-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Photo by Dan and Joy Cooper

I was just outside walking Nyla on our usual path, when up above I saw a huge bird circling above me. I stopped. Looked. And could have sworn it was a bald eagle.

Then suddenly, this woman--a total stranger--pulled up next to me in her truck, got out, and both of us stood there looking up at it.

Do you think it's a bald eagle? she said.

I do.

Now even Nyla was looking up at it.

In just moments it flew away, when the woman gently touched my arm and said Isn't it beautiful to be alive?

It certainly is. I said.

It certainly is.

We Got A Winner!

2012-01-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

That's me totally being silly--

but we got a winner of the wishBIG give-away!!

Congratulations to Kerry of the blog Green To Pink!

I'll be seeing you in the wishBIG Ecamp this February!

And a BIG hug and BIG thank you to everyone who entered and especially for sharing your wishBIGs for 2012. My deepest wish is that each of you know the joy and excitement of seeing them come true!

BIG Hugs! BIG Hugs!

FEARLESS® Inspiration :: Ken Robert

2012-01-28T06:00:00.007-07:00

Are you creative?!
Then be sure to watch the FEARLESS® Inspiration video abovecreated by Ken Robert where he captured three years of his creative life under four minutes.
Plus he offers some dang good advice!
And you know what's also awesome? Ken's one of the Artists who will be teaching at 21 SECRETS this Spring!
Don't forget--there's still time to win a free registration to wishBIG Ecamp HERE.

Feelin' Lucky?!?

2012-01-27T09:51:00.007-07:00

February 19th -26th, Miss Mindy is hosting another one of her fabulous Ecamps over at Wish Studio...and I'm so honored to be one of the eight FABULO-SO camp counselors sharing in the fun!

Seriously.

We're talking Vivienne Mc Master, Chris Zydel, Amy Palko,

Miranda Hersey, Jenna McGulggan, Stacy De La Rosa, & Rachel Awes!!!

I'll be teaching some FEARLESS® Painting fun with

Let It Loose.

I hope you'll join us---hop on over HERE to check it out--

there's something special to warm everyone's heart!

And, just in case you're feeling lucky...

I'm giving away one free registration to a lucky commenter!

Yep, all you need to do is leave a comment below telling me what your wishBIG is for 2012....and you might be the lucky snowball that wins!

~~The give-away is open till late Sunday night.~~

THE GIVE-AWAY IS CLOSED.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.
THE WINNER IS ANNOUNCED HERE.

FEARLESS® Inspiration :: Peter Wegner

2012-01-26T06:00:00.004-07:00

Guillotine of Sunlight, Guillotine of Shade by Peter Wegner (2008) at the Phoenix Art Museum

Guillotine of Sunlight, Guillotine of Shade (detail) by Peter Wegner (2008) at the Phoenix Art Museum

Guillotine of Sunlight, Guillotine of Shade (with Hansel!) by Peter Wegner (2008) at the Phoenix Art Museum

Recently Hansel and I spent the day at the Phoenix Art Museum. I absolutely love Art Museums, and especially go gaga over Contemporary Art that really makes a statement and stretches the whole idea of painting. That's why I fell in LOVE LOVE LOVE with Peter Wegner's piece Guillotine of Sunlight, Guillotine of Shade.

As you can see, it is a wall of beautiful color. On one side it is "sunlight"--the other side "shade". Each side of the wall is made up of 1.4 million pieces of die cut card stock paper that is hung together--not stacked actually. The effect is beautiful as you can see.

Absolutely beautiful.

And when I got home I immediately looked up Peter Wegner. He's one inspiring Artist that works in all different genres from installations like you see here--to sculpture--to collage--to even writing.

Very inspiring!

Buried Treasure

2012-01-25T06:00:00.002-07:00

Late last night I was searching through one of my drawers in the bedroom, when buried underneath a bunch of stuff was this black, spiral sketchbook that I had started creating in this exact time last year.

It was kind of like finding old photographs.

Or buried treasure.

I had totally forgotten about it.

It was so awesome to find it, I have to admit.

I remember when I made these spreads.

I was trying to let a story unfold.

I see them now, and I think "wow".

I had no idea.

No clue.

Not even an inkling of knowledge,

of what really laid ahead.

And it was only a year ago.

I think I'm going to pick up where I left off.

At least for a little bit.

Then let it get lost again.

Here's The Truth & Nothing But The Truth

2012-01-24T10:50:00.004-07:00

Painting by FEARLESS® Painter Louise currently in BIG.

All you need is twenty seconds of insane courage, and I promise you, something great will come of it.

~said by Matt Damon as he portrayed Benjamin Mee

in We Bought A Zoo

I'm gonna let you in on a lil' peek of what happens here behind the scenes at Dirty Footprints Studio some times. I'm gonna tell you about last week.

Oh, last week.

Well, first, let me say that I have to set deadlines for myself. I have to. Or nothing I do will ever be done, created, or launched into the world. Nothing. Including things like doing the bills, the laundry, and even the dishes.

If I don't set a date or time by when things "need" to be finished--they'll sit for aeons.

Second, I do my best work right up against the wire. Always been this way. It's just how me and my Muse like to kick it.

So for months and months and months I set the deadline of Monday, January 23rd as the date I would launch IGNITE into the world and put it on sale. I wrote it in my day planner, marked it on my iCal, and had a few fluorescent pink sticky notes here and there to remind me. As the date got closer--I began to tell people this is when I would launch it. People who emailed me about it--or even my beloved FEARLESS® Painters.

Basically, it was set. No turning back.

Now that you know how I roll, let me tell you about last week. The week that I was planning on doing my best work--as I give it my all to meet my deadline.

So guess what happens?

Well, first my Mac dies. Just totally crashes. Boom. Bang. Kadoom.

Honestly, I had a feeling that this might happen--so slowly for the last couple weeks I've been transferring files, photos, and such over to an exterior hard drive. But, (maybe because I didn't set a deadline for myself on when I should have had it all transferred)--I didn't get everything and lost quite a bit to the Mac Crash of 2012. Including precious work I had done for IGNITE.

Ok. Freak out time for a little.

Then, I just had to bite the bullet and dish out money I wasn't planning on, to purchase a new computer.

Back in business. Hello deadline.

Well, guess what happens next?

Our modem dies. Sizzle sizzle bo bizzle. Dead.

No more internet at the homefront.

Ok. Freak out time number two.

After a good cry I drive across town to the cable store where I need to get a new modem to find out that for some bizarre reason they are close till Monday. Monday, January 23rd. The deadline.

Enter freak out time number three. The Big Doozey as I like to think of it.

Now after a good cry, throwing a few small objects out into space, and yelling at poor Hansel on the phone for nothing at all, I moved on.

I decided well, I'm just gonna have to sit in a few good coffee shops now until this baby is finished and get over it.

So I headed over to Starbucks. Purchased a "venti refresh tea" (with only one tea bag thank you), sat down, plugged in the laptop and hit the Safari icon.

Nothing. No internet connection.

I look around and I see college kids everywhere all of them with head phones on and internet connection.

All of them.

I try everything. I even walk over to a few of them and ask for help.

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.

I don't get it.

I call the Mac store where I purchased my computer. They're close.

By this time, I'm over the freak out. It has purely turn into comedy. One of those tragic comedies.

I won't lie. I started to think that maybe...just maybe...this is the Universe trying to tell me something.

But, anyways, I decide to keep moving and go to a different coffee shop. Once again I pack up, drive across town, order a "large peppermint tea" (only one tea bag please and thank you)--basically the same thing I had at Starbucks--sit down, open the laptop, hit the Safari icon and....

We have lift off.

Breathe.

So for the next couple days I drank alot of peppermint tea and hung out for long hours at random coffee shops--except the one we won't mention again.

Now Sunday night arrives. I have everything in place. My eyes are fried, the tips of my fingers are numb, and I'm feeling all high and gooey from that feeling you get when you create something you totally believe in with every ounce of your body, soul, and existence.

And guess what?

The biggest obstacle of all appears.

FEAR.

We're talking FEAR in all capital letters wearing a three piece suit and carrying a suitcase kind of FEAR.

The type of FEAR that makes an entrance, comes with back up, and takes no prisoners.

That kind of FEAR.

The worst kind of FEAR.

The kind that makes the Mac Crash of 2012 look like stepping in bubble gum.

Yep, FEAR.

All I needed to do now is hit submit. Submit on my email newsletter. Submit on my blog dashboard.

Submit. Submit. Submit.

And I couldn't. I was terrified.

FEAR pulled out his suitcase and he had files and files and files of information on how and why I was certainly going to fail--and how this was all in vain. How nobody was going to care. How it was pointless.

Useless.

Ridiculous.

So, I got a cookie.

A chocolate chip peanut butter cookie. And I ate it. And I sat there re-reading everything I wrote as FEAR looked over my shoulder pulling out even more files on my predicted demise.

So I did something that I always do when I'm afraid.

I put my hands together, closed my eyes, and prayed.

If I wasn't seven months prego already and getting up and down from the floor wasn't such a challenge--I thought of even pulling a Tebow right there. But instead I wasn't looking for dramatics--I was looking for the truth.

And my truth always comes to me when I close my eyes and go inward.

My truth is always there. My truth carried me past every obstacle that presented itself to me that week. My truth stays with me through the ups and downs of living a life as an Artist. My truth whispers and flows and never rushes or appears once in awhile...like FEAR does.

My truth is what has gotten me this far. My truth has known more than any thing FEAR has ever predicted.

My truth is always right.

I opened my eyes. I took a deep breath.

I hit submit.

I closed my laptop.

I went home.

This morning, as I write this, I have here seven, printed out, BEAUTIFUL, completed registrations from women eager, a little nervous, and just as excited as I am to begin IGNITE this October. Seven women ready to follow their truth. Seven women ready to IGNITE the world with their passions--their dreams.

Seven women and it's only been one day.

FEAR was wrong. It always is.

Believe me, it always is.

It Is Time.....IGNITE

2012-01-23T06:00:00.008-07:00

It seems like life times ago that I was attending Cleveland State University to receive my Art Education license and prepare myself professionally to bring the magic and healing of the Arts to the masses. I had already been teaching Art for 8 years at the Cleveland Museum of Art and various Art organizations in Cleveland, Ohio, when I felt strongly that it was time to step it up a notch and pursue the education that I believed would open more doors for me to touch more lives.

Going through the Art Education program was not an easy feat. Not because of the work load or amount of requirements---but because of the disappointment that started to form in my heart the further I went into the program.

I became disappointed by my peers--many who were in Art Education because they thought it would be the "easiest" route to having a job with paid holidays and your summers off.

I became disappointed by the administration--as it made painstaking measures to condition us to fit into a system--a system I was slowly realizing was not a good fit for me--no matter if I had paid holidays and vacations or not.

But I stuck with it--and I searched out the professors who shared my passion, eventually found fellow students that felt like me, and I swore, no-matter-what, that I would put my heart into it--believing that it was no accident that I was there.

Then, the semester before graduating, I was in one of my favorite Art Education classes of all: Aesthetics and Critique, when a real light bulb went off. The visiting professor was an incredible man who when he told us that he left his home in the Dominican Republic (that had 2 mango trees and a hammock in the backyard) just because he longed for an adventure--an adventure to share the power of the Arts with others--I knew I found a kindred soul. He taught me more in the two courses I took with him than I learned my entire two years of the program--and sadly he was met with a lot of resistance and backlash from the students--because he challenged us to think--to really be creative--and to share the passion why we were (suppose to be) there in the first place.

To be honest, I don't remember what my 20 minute final presentation exactly was about--but I do remember clearly that my intention was to do my best to IGNITE my peers into seeing how important their role as an Art Teacher was going to be. I was a minority in the program--being that I already had two Art degrees and almost a decade of teaching under my belt. I knew what laid ahead for many of these people if they seriously chose to pursue a job teaching Art--and what worried me the most is that they would be a disservice. Not only to their students--but to the overall appreciation and life of the Arts for generations to come if they were just in it for the paid vacation time.

After my presentation my Prof asked to speak with me privately. The other students noisily filed out and my Prof plopped down in the desk right next to me. In his thick accent he carefully said: Connie, there are those that go on to teach and there are those that go on to teach those that teach. I see a life ahead of you--no matter what path you choose consciously, to be a part of the latter.

That's really all he said.

But that was the light bulb moment for me in my life. That's when all my experience, all my background, all my likes, dislikes, celebrations, and tribulations started to make much more sense to me.

I knew he was right. I knew it with all my soul.

And now, lifetimes later, I see that not only in every teaching job that I have ever taken--that I have done my best to create empowered leaders of my students--but in every job, relationship, and even in writing this blog. My intention always is to inspire and empower others to embrace how important their gifts and talents are--so they can IGNITE and inspire others as well. Others that resonate with them so that the magic and healing of the Arts can create a huge web.

Truthfully, I could say that a year of planning, hard work, and pouring my heart and energy has gone into this moment--this day, were I finally launch my FEARLESS® Painting Teacher Training Program IGNITE into the world. But the truth is, it's been much longer than that.

Much, much longer.

Though I know now, with all my being, what I am fully ready to do.

I'm not just ready to inspire others to be the best teachers/leaders/healers they can be--because I've been doing that for awhile. But I am ready to step into this next evolution of my own spirit. Through IGNITE I will gather together a community of amazing women, to guide, support, and most importantly IGNITE their own gifts, talents, and innate wisdom. Gifts, talents, and wisdom that I believe are so needed in the world today.

Now, with great joy and excitement, I am happy to announce IGNITE.

IGNITE is not another certification program. I will not be conditioning you to teach like I do or to go out into the world following some formula or prescribed standard. But rather, I will be doing what I do best as a teacher--and that is guiding you to ruthlessly believe and embrace your own innate wisdom and gifts, sharing with you all the tools, techniques, and experience I have gained through my 15+ years of being a successful, inspiring teacher/ creative entrepreneur, and supporting you in creating your own unique path into making teaching your life's work. But the best part of it all is that we will do all of this together--through the incredible power of the FEARLESS® Painting Process.

Do you too feel deep down that you are ready to really empower, transform, and IGNITE other women's creative spirits? Not to mention your own first?

Than IGNITE might be the right fit for you.

To learn more and be one of only 12 women I am accepting into this program please go HERE. If you have any questions or would like to discuss more in depth if IGNITE is the right fit for you, please EMAIL ME and let's set up a time to chat!

And when you're ready, let's IGNITE the world together!

Being An OUTSTANDING Art Teacher Starts With...

2012-01-18T06:00:00.041-07:00

Here is an excellent example of an outstanding teacher.

Here is another outstanding teacher.

I am always on the hunt for outstanding teachers. I'm not just talking Art teachers--outstanding teachers in general. Even those who are teachers and don't even know it--those are my favorite actually.

The reason why, is being in the presence of an outstanding teacher makes me a better teacher as well.
Heck, it makes me a better person, period.

And here's the thing--here's the clue to finding an outstanding teacher...

Outstanding teachers freely give of themselves without worry or concern that someone is going to steal what they have or copy how they do things.

They just teach.

Naturally. Organically. Generously.

I remember awhile back there was all this hoopla on the internet about respect and teaching. All this outrage that teachers were teaching and their students were then going on and teaching what they taught. It was like a witch hunt--and I wanted no part of it.

But here's the thing everyone failed to notice---mediocracy is the easiest (and cheapest) thing to steal/copy/imitate/produce.

What I've noticed is that many mediocre teachers go to great extent to protect what they feel is theirs.

Instead, what if we invested that energy in becoming OUTSTANDING?

What if we invested that energy in ourselves--in creating space for new ideas to arrive--instead of in creating space for more fear?

What if we invested that energy in creating possibility instead of an arsenal of defense?

Personally, I feel that if you invest your energy into becoming the best you possible--
You're untouchable.

Better yet, you're your own monopoly.

Everyone knows there's a big difference between a pair of Valentino jeans and the ones you buy at Wal Mart.

Just like there is a big difference between an OUTSTANDING teacher and a mediocre one.

Like Eric, my Yoga Teacher Training Teacher always says: mediocracy is exhausting.

I couldn't agree more.

IGNITE goes on sale this Monday---I can't wait!!!

The Cartography Of An Artist

2012-01-17T06:00:00.004-07:00

I was around six or seven years old when my step mother at the time was zipping up my winter jacket. For some reason I had told her that I planned to go to art college one day--and as she pulled that zipper right up to the edge of my chin, she looked me in the eye and said "I doubt it. You ain't ever going anywhere."

I remember that exactly.

But what I remember more was the way I felt full of rage--and how instantly I began to form a map in my young mind of how I would go to college and prove this bitch wrong.

Yeah, that's exactly what I thought.

I remember that, more than her hurtful, mindless words.

And guess what--I did go to "art college". I graduated with not one--but two degrees in Painting and Art History--and later I even went back and got my Art Education License.

Heck, I even went on to create a self-sustainable lifestyle supporting myself completely as an Artist.

How about that?

The truth is, she wasn't the only person in my history that shun my desire to be an Artist--and that moment in my winter jacket wasn't the only time a real obstacle was presented in my path.

My life as an Artist has been full of doubts, detours, and major distractions.

People have been mean, unsupportive, and have shared with me worlds of fear. People who many time have my best interest at heart.

But I am where I am today because I chose not to believe them and instead follow my calling.

I meet so many women online that tell me their stories. I hear about the terrible Art teachers, the unsupportive parents, the cynical spouses and those random strangers who shared with them some horrible truths that made them doubt, disheartened, and change their point of view.

The story is always the same--the years lost and a heavy sense of regret.

But what they don't see is that they are no different than me. No different than any Artist that has ever walked this land.

There are no yellow brick roads to becoming an Artist. Each of us has our battles to attend.

And all those years you keep carrying around labeled as "lost" and those buckets of broken dreams you keep behind your bed--they are simply weighing you down from living the life you truly were intended.

It doesn't matter that you start believing in yourself at six, thirty-five, or eighty two years old. What matters is that you finally draw those maps in your head.

That you finally let go of the rage.

And instead answer the calling that you've been hearing again and again.

Drum Roll Please...

2012-01-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win two issues of the online magazine SPROUT--I'm super excited to be one of the contributors and even more excited for the opportunity to share the joy of giving with you!

We have a winner--and it was the 41st comment!

What a treat---Lauren writes an absolute beautiful blog and is such a kindred soul! Congratulations & what a pleasure to meet you!

Be sure to keep an eye on Lauren's blog because she not only wins an issue of SPROUT for herself--but one to give away as well!

BIG HUGS!

Dreams Within

2012-01-16T06:00:00.013-07:00

Photo by my beloved Hansel.

I just love that tree that lives near Cathedral Rock in Sedona.

It's the same tree that I painted under on the Summer Solstice--
the same tree my FEARLESS™ Painters and I sat by at Total Alignment too.

And last week I saw her again. This time Winter has played its part and her leaves have vanished from her branches. She stood there bare, naked, vulnerable to the elements.

And I simply stood there compassionately staring at her.

Winter has this way of doing this to us, doesn't it? Or maybe it's just Life sometimes.

There are periods when the foliage that clothes our soul is released and falls from our own strong branches. We're left feeling bare, naked, and vulnerable to the world.

But deep within the grain of the tree each precious bud begins to grow.

While deep within our own hearts, our dreams are already germinating.
They're just waiting for the right time to arrive.
Waiting for Spring to return again.

And it will.

It will.
It will.
It will.

Spreading Some Cheer With A FREE Chance To Win!

2012-01-15T11:40:00.001-07:00

Today I feel like spreading a little cheer.

I don't know about you--but it's grey and the sun is hiding--and well, we could all use a little goodness on a Sunday!

So--if you haven't heard Amanda Fall from Persistent Green (who is a rockin' Artist--I actually own one of her handmade books) started producing and self-publishing this cool little online mag called SPROUT.

And today her third issue comes out titled BOLDNESS--that she so kindly asked lil' ol' me to be a part of. But not just me--there are also some really juicy contributions in there by ladies such as the amazing HEATHER PLETT & even the wild and wonderful FLORA BOWLEY.

So...you need to read this 60 page magazine of yumminess...it will make your Sunday so much shinier!

That's why, even though I got my own free contributor copy--I've decided to go ahead and purchase 2 more at the super cheap price of $6 each--just so I can give them away here on Dirty Footprints Studio.

Yeppers!

But here's the even funner part (is funner a word?!).....I am only picking ONE WINNER---that one winner wins both issues---one for you--and one for you to give away on your blog and spread some more sunny cheer this January.

Sound great?

Here's the kicker--I'm only having this give-away last for today. Tomorrow I choose a winner. So we need to get the word out fast!

All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment below and check back tomorrow night (Pacific Standard Time) to see if you won!

And why not be generous too and spread the word?!? Believe me...it feels so good to do so!

Good luck Loveys!! Let's spread some cheer---and if you want---run on over HERE to purchase your own issue of Sprout for $6!!! It's juicy!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!! THE GIVE-AWAY IS OVER!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER HERE!!

Big Girl Camera Adventures :: Underground

2012-01-14T06:00:00.002-07:00

This Is Where I Want To Live

2012-01-13T06:00:00.004-07:00

In December I took a Soul Hiatus where I basically backed off from the internet, slowed down my work pace, and retreated as much as possible into a space of stillness and reflection. It is something I have focused on intentionally the last few Decembers, and a tradition I plan to keep.

But the truth is, before my Soul Hiatus I hit a major block.

Total resistance that showed up as self doubt, over thinking things, and even (I hate to say it) jealousy.

That's when I knew something was wrong. That I needed to step away from my usual routine and way of doing things and begin to explore what the real source of my resistance was.

I believe with all my heart that we humans are meant to live in total alignment with our Creative Source. That those passionate, devoted, energizing feelings that we possess are truly our guides in this life. That when more draining feelings and behaviors begin to appear it is a sign that we are slipping out of alignment with our truth.

But like any other human, I can at times find it much easier to place blame on other things than to take responsibility myself that I need to change something for these negative feelings and behaviors to dissipate.

I can logically create reasons why I am feeling the way I am--and support those feelings tooth and nail with creditable evidence. I can even recruit a whole slew of supporters if necessary, but it does no real use.

No real good to the purpose of why I am blessed with this beautiful life in the first place.

What I realized in my Soul Hiatus is a few things. One, for me, the internet is a bit too much. Too much information. Too much visual stimulation. Even too much inspiration.

Just too much.

All of this too much began to turn into noise for me. Loud, blaring noise. Like an orchestra of leaf blowers always outside my window.

And so when I limited my internet--and basically my computer intake as well, at first I was nervous. Afraid I was going to miss something important or lose connection to some type of source that provides for me.

Yeah, silly stuff like that.

But as the days and weeks of December went by, I started to feel like myself again. I was no longer worried about what other Artists were out there creating and doing--I no longer was comparing and contrasting and creating a whole handbook of what I needed to improve about myself.

Instead I started to hear my Creative Source more clearly again.

That feeling of being in total alignment came rushing right back.

I realized full heartedly that this is where I want to live--in this space of total alignment.

This is where I want to nurture my family, build my business, create my Art, and support my students.

This is where I want to make decisions, plan projects, and enjoy the company of others who I share this intention with.

This is where I want to live.

I finally admitted to myself that I found my way home.

Being An Art Teacher Starts With...

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-07:00

Black Snow by Oscar Oiwa. Oil on canvas. At the ASU Art Museum.

After eight years of teaching Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons, go back to school for Art Education, and get myself snuggled nicely into a public school--where, I felt, I could reach more souls out there that desperately needed Art.

One of the many requirements I had to meet to receive my Art Education License was called "field service". Where you would spend two weeks observing a teacher, followed by one week of actually getting to teach a class in that teacher's classroom.

I was assigned to a pretty rough and tough middle school in inner city Cleveland, Ohio. We're talking metal detectors at the front door, security guards on every floor, and students old enough to be graduating from high school filling your seats. The teacher I had to observe was this teeny tiny, little petite woman about my age at the time--who was terrified of her students and basically hated her job.

Nice.

She told me the first day that she had one of those huge science lab tables put in the front of the Art room on purpose--and she did all her "teaching" from behind there.

For the first week I sat on a chair perched behind her and watched as kids doodled on construction paper as she struggled to draw something on the chalk board for them to copy.

Most of her time was spent yelling at them to stay in their seats, pay attention, and be quiet.

I hated it. I dreaded going to my assignment. So, the second week as she began her "lesson" I left my chair behind the safety zone and began to stroll around the classroom--silently looking over the students' shoulders, sometimes patting them on the back if I saw something at the least productive, and finally taking a seat next to them and asking them about what they were drawing.

At first the kids didn't know how to handle the situation. I mean, an adult that ventured out into the classroom in an Art room? Someone willing to sit and talk with the natives--not at them?

The first day I did this my host teacher immediately said "I wouldn't do that if I were you Miss Hozvicka." When I simply responded with "I know."

Finally, it was my turn to have a chance at teaching.

I came in that Monday morning with my lesson plans all typed and neat to give to my host teacher and I began to rearrange the room. I took all of the tables and I placed them together into one big table--with all of the chairs in a big circle around them.

Yes, my host teacher by this time was sweating bullets and planning her emergency escape for sure. Moments before that bell rang I stood at the door and said hello to each student as they walked in, handed them a paper, and insisted that they follow the directions written on the chalk board.

Once everyone was in I closed the door and proceeded to take my place--right there on top of all those tables. Smack in the middle of the natives.

Yep, none of them knew what to think of me at that point. I walked on all of those tables wearing my two and a half inch chunky boots and began to express my expectations of them for the week that I was teacher--and began to discuss what I would be teaching them, what they would be learning, and how we were in this together. That I was an Artist--and the reason I was there was not because of a job--but I was there for inspiration--to be inspired by the youth of my neighborhood and to witness a freshness that I knew each of them possessed. When I was finished with my little speech, I stopped towering above them--and instead sat down on the tables and began my lesson.

When I finished my field service the principal personally wanted to see me. Other teachers had told them that for the first time students were talking and excited about Art and he said whatever he could do to help me get a position in the Cleveland Public School System when I was finished with the program please don't hesitate to ask.

See, I didn't really do anything special.

Nothing at all actually.

All I did was trust.

Teaching is all about trust.

Number one--your students need to trust you. They need to trust that you have their best interest at heart and that you know what is best for them individually.

Second, as a teacher, you need to trust your students.

I no longer teach in a public school, and when my FEARLESS™ Painters attend Total Alignment in Sedona they are greeted with a hug and not a metal detector--but it doesn't matter who your students are--trust has to be established between both parties.

My students need to trust that I am invested in their learning, their growth, and their development as Artists. And the best way I know to do so is by creating personal connection with them. Learning their names--their strengths, their fears, and what makes them come alive. That is why I always limit registration on my FEARLESS™ Painting workshops and retreats. I want to know who my students are--even though we might only be online.

But more importantly I need to trust my students. I need to trust that they are willing and ready to receive what I have to offer them. I need to trust that they trust in me--and by that a dance between the two of us can begin.

Over my 15+ years of teaching I have unfortunately met many Art teachers who fall short on trust. They feel that teaching means distributing knowledge and the more letters they can stack after their name, the more certificates they can frame in their office, and the more skills they can demonstrate is simply enough.

I whole heartedly disagree.

The teachers who have made the most impact on my life have never been about what I learned--but rather how I walked away a better person for being in their presence.

That is why my FEARLESS™ Painting Teacher Training Program that I will be announcing and putting on sale Monday, January 23rd is called IGNITE.

Successful teachers IGNITE their students souls--minds--and creativity.

Other teachers, well, they stand behind tables and miss the best part of it all.

IGNITE goes on sale Monday, January 23, 2012!!!