{tinniegirl}

{living}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:00 +0000

It's been a crazy busy week. Lots of great stuff happening but absolutely no balance to it or me whatsoever. It's part of a process that I'm working through at the moment. Sorting out how all the parts of my new life are going to fit together. I think it's just one of those things that's going to take time, lots of trial and error and probably a whole lot of practice. I don't think there's one of those words in the photo above that doesn't apply to me at the moment.

I've said it before, this living of dreams isn't for the faint hearted. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Anyway, just wanted to stop by and say Hi.

How are you peeps?

*****

I haven't forgotten the giveaway. I'll try and draw winners on Sunday, which means you can still enter until then.

{sunday snippets, the self-portrait addition*}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:02:00 +0000

{sunday snippets}: a collection of photos from your week. No need for words. Let the pictures tell your story. Pop your link in below if you're joining in.

*****

*Vivienne McMaster has a new session of You Are Your Own Muse starting in February. I've been having so much fun playing with self-portraiture ever since I took the course. I've always loved taking self-portraits but Vivienne's class takes it to a whole new level.

*****

I'm leaving the giveaway open for a couple more days. Feel free to pop over and enter.

{baking treats of different kind}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:40:00 +0000

Little nuggets of magic for Your Awesome Year

We have just a couple of spots left for Your Awesome Year and have decided to extend registration until 12pm Sunday {tomorrow}. Just in case there's anyone out there who has been thinking about joining us but hasn't got to doing so yet.

All the workshop info is here and you can sign up here

Dreaming and planning for this workshop has been such an incredible experience. It's been amazing to watch it come to life and to watch me come to life with it. Combined with the Hello Soul Hello Business course that I'm one week into {it's totally life changing my friends} I feel like I am taking off at the moment. And it feels fan-fucking-tastic.

For those of you coming along next Saturday you are in for one absolutely awesome day.

See you tomorrow for {sunday snippets} peeps!

{things i see}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:55:00 +0000

an opportunity to live a full and amazing life

to be everything I ever dreamed of being

to live with abundance

to be fulfilled, happy, true

*****

I'll draw winners for the giveaway on Sunday. You can still enter here.

{sharpening pencils}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Image courtesy of my talented friend Darren Freak {yep, that's his real name!}

Just wanted to let you know that today is your last chance to register for Your Awesome Year.

When I first dreamed up this event I imagined a day of absolute indulgence. A day of gorgeousness. A day of great food and beautiful surroundings. A day of visioning your most amazing year. A day of connecting. A day of being spoilt like you deserve to be. I've been working on it for months now and I've put so much of my heart and soul and creative energy into it. I wanted it to be something extraordinay and that's exactly what it's going to be.

You can join us here

{lessons in letting go - part I}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:06:00 +0000

It turned out that the wind didn't blow us far at all.

When push came to shove I had an incredible urge just to enjoy some downtime at home, and Ms L was fine to go with it.

I have such a hard time letting go of an idea once I've got it in my head. Even something like a quick trip to the house of retro goodness.

But this time I just went with it.

{we're off, and a giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Ms L and I are off to the house of retro goodness for a week. A week of no plans. A week of seeing where the wind blows us. Sure, there's books to read and dreaming to be done, vision boards to be played with, thoughts of swimming and walking and maybe a glass of vino. But we'll see where the breeze takes us. My favourite kind of holiday.

I thought I'd leave you with a little giveaway, to tide you over till I get back. If you recall back during Blogtoberfest, the good folk over at zip-zip gave me some very excellent USBs to giveaway just because I asked nicely. Well, those guys happen to have some really groovy friends over at Blockshop and they've given me some fun giveaways too.

If you haven't come across Nanoblocks they're the coolest things ever. Miniature blocks to build cute things with. Go and check them out.

I have 3 sets to giveaway. Leave a comment telling me your favourite kind of holiday and I'll draw winners when I get back.

Have a lovely week peeps.

**************************************************

Registration for Your Awesome Year closes on Thursday. We've still got a couple of places left if you're interested. All the details are here or you can register right here.

{sunday snippets}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:36:00 +0000

{sunday snippets}: a collection of photos from your week. No need for words. Let the pictures tell your story. Pop your link in below if you're joining in.

{the filmlife project bloggers challenge}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:17:00 +0000

Image credit Alicann

''This is the sun
These are your lungs
This is the day you were born.''

Always - Switchfoot

I mentioned yesterday that my friend Cam had something new for us to join in with. If you haven't been over and checked it out please do. It's something worth taking a minute for. You might even save a life by increasing awareness about this important issue.

What’s your take on or experience with organ donation, and why did you choose to take part in the FilmLife Blogger Challenge?

Getting to know my friend CurlyPops has given me first hand insight into the importance of organ donation. I've been signed up to be an organ donor for a long time but now that I have a good friend waiting for a transplant I get it on a whole different level.

If you were to donate your organs, which one would you love to donate, and why?(nb. this question is intentionally quirky so feel free to be creative and have some fun with it)

I've got ex-smoker's lungs, a crap bladder, a dodgy stomach and haven't exactly treated my body like a temple, but hey, you're welcome to whatever you need. Except my eyes. I decided when I first became an organ donor that I'd hang on to my eyes so I can find my way in the afterlife.

Who in your family would you need to talk to about organ donation, to be sure your loved ones knew your wishes?

My peeps know my wishes {including the quirky thing about hanging on to my eyes} so I'm all set.

If you join in with the challenge make sure you sign up on Cam's blog so we can check out your response. You can read more about The Filmlife Project here

{things i'm diggin}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:13:00 +0000

Kicking starting my new year with the Soul Business Sessions co-hosted by Beth Nicholls and Kelly Rae Roberts. For years I've struggled to create a business plan for myself using traditional notions of business and planning. I'm so excited for what this course will hold for me and my fledgling enterprise. It feels like the timing is perfect.

CurlyPops latest endeavour. I'm going to post my answers to the questions tomorrow. Please join in and help this important cause.

Andrea's trip to Mexico. I can remember how long she's been talking about wanting to paint and I'm so excited that she's taking this bold step.

Hatching a stupendously cool new project with three awesome women.

Feeling strong and grounded and more certain as I make my way into this new year.

Putting my custom 'word of the year' paintings out there into the world. I'm crazy proud of these babies.

Ok, I'm off to my favourite art shop to buy supplies.

Have a lovely weekend peeps!

{what's in a word}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:49:00 +0000

I've been dancing with words for a long while now but I was surprised to discover that choosing my word for the year went all the way back to 2009 when I chose the word ENJOY.

The practice of choosing a word has become quite sacred actually. Because I've come to see how powerful it can be. Over the years these words ENJOY, SHINE, SURRENDER and RESOLVE have carried me and guided me. When times get tough I recite my word like a mantra, when I'm not sure which way to go I look to my word to help me find my way, when I need to ground myself I look to my word. I have completely fallen in love with this practice.

For 2012 I've chosen the word NOURISH. I want to NOURISH myself in every possible way. Home, health, heart, art, business, creativity, relationships, finances, etc. And I want to NOURISH others too. This is to be a year of goodness, of abundance, of joy. I can't wait to see how this word travels with me. Already I'm embracing it and letting it guide me.

I've decided to so something a bit special this year with the 'word of the year' concept. I'm offering custom made 'word of the year' paintings. Your word and your favourite colour/s transformed into an original painting made especially for you. They're in my Etsy shop now. Pop on over and take a look.

{and i love him so}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:40:00 +0000

BigCat and I, snapped by Ms L

{dear 2011}*

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:23:00 +0000

What a crazy mixed up kinda year you were. Truth be told I'm so very glad to put you behind me. You were full of twists and turns that's for sure. And yes there were good bits and gifts alongside all the crap, but I will always remember you as the toughest of the tough. A year that nearly broke me in half.

Here's what you brought me 2011

January

I made a list of all my dreams and hopes for the year
I found the word that would carry me through the year. And it so did. I had no idea when I picked 'resolve' just how much I was going to need it.
Had a gorgeous staycation
I watched in horror and disbelief as floods ravaged Queensland and Victoria
Returned to full time work and boy did I thank god for Fridays!
A dream came true when I discovered Flora Bowley was coming to teach in Australia in 2011
The gift of love and a new camera

February

I celebrated 3 years of blogging, remembered tradgedy and finished an important painting
I struggled to find balance alongside full time work and missed my artful journey pals
I fell madly in love with Fridays

March

Cracks started to appear as I continued to struggle with balance
I took tiny steps
I realised I was going to be OK

April

I had a life changing and soul stirring art experience when I attended the Flora Bowley Bloom True workshop in Jervis Bay. I had an incredible trip with my dear friend Jay. I also met the amazing Tracy Verdugo.
Ms L and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary in amidst a whole lotta stuff
I chose happiness
I was published in a real live book

May

I made Cam a pretty awesome birthday present {if I do say so myself}
We found a new home
I turned 40, moved house and Ms L lost her job all in the same week!
I said farewell to my beloved first studio

June

I had two Mondo Beyondo dreams come true and learnt some things about the power of dreaming
I held my second solo exhibition at Chair 14. It was fabulous and exhausting and amazing
I found a resting place
I discovered a few things

July

I started {sunday snippets}. Wow, can't believe it's been 6 months.
I struggled some more to find balance alongside full time work
I asked some questions and reminded myself of my truth
And then I got blocked

August

I made friends with winter
I published my 500th blog post
I rode the waves
I dreamed of escape and indulged the fantasy
I celebrated the success of my exhibition and renovated my studio
And celebrated a major milestone. So proud of this one.

September

I delivered hope to a good friend
I showed off my new studio
I got the dreaded lurgy
Saw myself in a new way
Had the perfect mini-break
Got ready for Blogtberfest with hundreds of amazing peeps signing up to play

October

Kicked off Blogtoberfest with a travelers guide
Acknowledged the role that grief plays in my life
Started work on a very exciting collaboration.
Celebrated Ms L's birthday
Got really, really, really sick and bailed on Blogtoberfest. I hated having to bow out.
Wrote a list of good and shit stuff
Said farewell to another blogtoberfest

November

Launched {finkigirl} in collaboration with Jay and totally changed the way I saw myself as an artist and my plans for the future. I have so much more to say about this. It was a major highlight for 2011.
I disappeared
Played with self-portraiture after being blown away by this photo of Danielle. Treat yourself to one of Vivienne's courses peeps.

December

I quit my full-time job after finally acknowledging the negative impact it was having on every aspect of my life
I painted and then painted some more
I hosted my annual open studio
Got ready for Santa
Enjoyed a quiet Christmas with Ms L and Mumsy
And painted some more

Yep, 2011 you were one crazy mixed up kinda year alright. Thank you for the hard lessons and the moments of joy. Thank you for teaching me that I am strong and brave and kind. Thank you for helping me understand my truth and find my path through life. Thank you for the love and the friendships that you bestowed on me, that kept me afloat throughout all the crazy.

2011 I declare you complete!

*I love that my Canadian soul sister Danielle posted the exact same post today! We must be totes in sync at the moment.

************************************************

An update on the 2012: Your Awesome Year Workshop

We are about two-thirds full so if you've been thinking about joining us now is the time. We would love to have you.

I've been working today on the content and some of the treats we've got in store for participants. It is going to be a seriously amazing and special day for everyone who comes along. I'm so proud of what Louise and I have created.

{sunday snippets, we're back}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:21:00 +0000

{sunday snippets}: a collection of photos from your week. No need for words. Let the pictures tell your story. Pop your link in below if you're joining in.

{things i'm diggin}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:39:00 +0000

Hoping to make {things i'm diggin} a bit more of a regular feature on the blog this year. Not going to commit to a weekly occurrence or anything but we'll see how I go.

Image by Danielle Daniel

Danielle's Petit Painted Word Wishes. Oh how I want one of these beauties.

superdilettante and her amazing zine Practice Being Human. You should so check this out. Scroll to the bottom of the page to download your copy.

Andrea's New Year's Transmission from the Universe.

Cath's Secrets of Adulthood

Kate's recipe for happiness

Riding my bike with Ms L, cofficing, instagram {I'm @tinniegirl if you want to connect}, getting a more solid picture of where I'm heading this year, and planning an absolutely awesome workshop for a really great group of people {come join us}.

What are you diggin' peeps?

{you are held}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:52:00 +0000

in your hopes and your dreams

your moments of strength

as you reach for everything you know is possible

in your fear and overwhelm

in all your self-doubt and uncertainty

you are held

the universe has you firmly in her arms

these are the words i needed to hear today

i thought you might need them too

***********************************************

Looking for an amazing way start to your year? Join myself and fellow dreamer Louise Gale for an imtimate one-day visioning workshop in the lush surrounds of CERES Community Environmental Park.

More details here or register right here.

{2012 YOUR AWESOME YEAR}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

I've been absolutely busting to spill the beans on the super-secret squirrel business that Louise Gale and I have been working on for the past couple of months.

I first met Louise when I traveled to the USA for An Artful Journey Retreat. By a stroke of good fortune we sat at the same table and spent an incredible 3 days painting, laughing, eating chocolate and connecting. Louise is vibrant, funny, warm, engaging and full of the most fabulous energy.

We've been friends ever since the retreat and share a passion for art, for dreaming and for inspiring other souls in their journey. When Louise told me that she was coming to Australia I was so excited. I am so looking forward to soaking up some of Louise's amazing energy.

It occurred to both of us that it would be fantastic fun for Louise and I to organise special for Melbourne peeps {or anyone who can get to Melbourne to join us}. I'm so pleased to unveil our very exciting project:

Are you ready to create your awesome year in 2012?

Vision your dreams and plan an amazing year ahead in this one day in-person workshop with artists and dreamers Louise Gale and Cathy Kirwan. Join Cathy, Louise and a lovely group of creative souls to get 2012 off to a great start. Through visioning, meditations and creative exercises you'll leave the workshop full of energy and focus.

{the details}

Saturday 28th January 2012

12 - 6.30pm (includes lunch)

CERES Environmental Park

East Brunswick

Cost: $125

Limited places available

The workshop includes:

A beautiful day at the gorgeous CERES Environmental Park with instruction from Cathy & Louise.
Guided visualizations and meditations
A light lunch and sumptuous afternoon tea
Time to explore, relax and let your dreams unfold
Reflections on 2011 – celebrating success, farewell to the year
Affirming ourselves – creating positive messages to carry into the new year
Creation of your 2012 Vision Board
A goodie bag of tools & additional resources to take home with you

By the end of the workshop, you will have:

A clear vision of your dreams and goals for the year ahead.
Reviewed and celebrated 2011.
A vision board to pin up at home to inspire you throughout 2012.
Let go of any negative thoughts or feelings so you can move towards your dreams.
Met other creative souls to be inspired, share and have fun with.
Set the wheels in motion to see your dreams become reality in 2012.
Found your truth, positive affirmations and courage to move forward and make 2012 Your Awesome Year.

What to bring:

Poster board (A3 or larger)
Glue stick
A photo of yourself looking happy, that you really like. This will go on the centre of your vision board.
Any magazine images, quotes, inspiring words you might have already gathered
Additional magazines to share and use
Any additional favourite art materials you may like to use (pens, markers, glitter, stickers) (please note: due to venue restrictions no paints)
Any snacks or drinks you’d like in addition to what’s provided
An open heart and mind
Extra money for any café purchases
A small item to contribute to a gift exchange (more details in the registration pack)

Payment Options
You have the option of paying in full for the workshop now, or making 2 part-payments, one now to secure your place and the balance in 2 weeks time. Please note all payments must be made in full by Thursday January 19th 2012.

Join us to make 2012 Your Awesome Year?

To register and pay in full click here

To register for the installment plan click here

{a funny thing}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:44:00 +0000

I took this photo a week or so ago when Ms L and I were out on a walk one day. I was totally smitten with these gorgeous and unusual flowers. I originally thought it was a weed but I'm convinced now that's not the case.

Fast forward to the last few days. I decided to work on a special painting to welcome in the new year. Something beautiful, colourful, warm and inviting.

It seems I've been carrying the original image around in my sub-conscious. Can you see the similarities like I can? Pretty cool huh?

I'm stoked to be featured over at Stacie's Jewelry as her first Artist of the Month for 2012. You can read all about my creative process, some of my plans for 2012 and other bits and pieces.

I have so many things to say about 2012, my word for the year, my plans, my list and lessons I've already learned {yep, already}. I want to reflect a little on some of last year's lessons too. I'm just waiting for the words to arrive. Hopefully soon.

I've got something really big and exciting to share tomorrow. Be sure to stop by.

{happy new year peeps}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:45:00 +0000

work in progress

36 x 48 inches

may 2012 be filled with that which you love most.

as always, thank you for taking this journey with me. i am forever grateful.

{making plans}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:24:00 +0000

I absolutely love new year. I love reflecting on the year that's been and dreaming and planning for the year ahead. I have to admit I'm excited for this year to be over too. It's been a tough one. It feels like that's really shifting though and I'll be glad to put this year to rest and leap into the new one.

I've seen some good resources around if you want to dive deep into the process of reflection and planning.

Susannah Conway has a free 16 page downloadable workbook to help "unravel your year ahead and say farewell to the year behind". It looks fantastic. Grab it here.

The ever inspiring Andrea Scher also has a free worksheet for you to download over here. This is her original Mondo Beyondo end of year ritual and I love it.

I've been reading through my archives as part of my process and found a couple of posts on how I think about writing new year's lists. You can find them here and here.

I've been thinking about my word for the year too. Another ritual that I love. I was reading this post last night about how I found my word for 2011. And Liz Lamaroux has a great post over at Roots of She about embracing a word for the year.

All this stuff gets me so excited and energised. I am a dreamer and soul searcher at heart.

Did I tell you that Louise Gale and I have been working on some super-secret-squirrel business that is going to rock your new year? Stay tuned for a big announcement on January 3rd.

{from ours to yours}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:24:00 +0000

Wishing you and yours the merriest of merry days.

We're off to Mumsy's to eat, drink and be merry.

{dear santa}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:24:00 +0000

We're all ready for you over here. Feel free to stop by.

{oh christmas chair, oh christmas chair}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:39:00 +0000

We didn't get around to getting a Christmas tree this year {the luxury of living in an all adult house hey?}. Ms L sorted us out though with a beautiful Christmas chair and some other bits of cheer around the house. She's a good one that Ms L.

My very favourite Christmas ornaments. Handed down from my Mum. We've had these for as long as I can remember.

Hope your festive season preparations are coming along nicely!

{my wish for you}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:05:00 +0000

Holmes St, East Brunswick, Melbourne

It's been go, go, go at the house of {tinniegirl} and I've hit the metaphorical wall. It's time to rest this weary soul.

I'll see you in a few days or so.

PS. Sincere apologies for the lack of {sunday snippets} yesterday. They'll be back in 2012.

{flight of the ducks}

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy {tinniegirl}) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:40:00 +0000

I'm off to Gleaners Inc this evening for the opening of 'Flight of the Ducks'.

Here's a sneak peak of my work for the show.

Maybe I'll see you there. If not, have a great weekend peeps!