Hello !

Life is a mess. And tough. The last few weeks have been the hardest of my life, but I know it will get better. We will make it easier and safer.

I wish I had a magical wand to help out my friends in need, all I can do is listen and answer with love and tenderness; even though I know it is unfortunately not enough. But I try.
Being present is still an amazing gift to the people you love.

This week, I am thankful for:

• My new {Painting In Motion} video. You can watch it here and know more about it.
• My mom.
• Fibromyalgia for teaching me so much. Lessons are learned in pain, but still.
• My oven, still learning again how to cook with gas though, lots of adjustments being made.
• Fresh homemade bread. You really should check this book out, it changes our life. I have their book about pizza and now have frozen dough ready to be used.
• My Creative Hollow (ie. my art studio).
• I was able to sign up for Anna Dabrowska's layout class at Clipper Street. I would have loved to be part of her Mixed Media class but Life decided otherwise, I am still happy to be able to learn from her, and hopefully connect with creative local people at the same time.
• Grenouille's new school. I know my girls will be happy there. Koala can't wait to go to school, she does not like that much being with me all the time lol
• Chai Latte. I've found 3 Starbucks chai at Costco for the price of one. A treat I do everyday to myself.
• My bro' invited me (us) to his wedding, even if he knew we could not make it because of the high price of plane tickets to France. The same with my cousin.
• Being back to an healthier lifestyle, exercising and eating better. However, I am still struggling with finding the right diet for me.
• I love the Studio Calico monthly kits I signed up for.
• Mindy Lacefield online class comes to an end, it was amazing. I am looking to the videos regularly and the community gathered around it is very amazing. You can know register for the class at your own pace (yaaay).
• I was also able to purchase a second original painting from the amazing Danielle Daniel. Can't wait to receive it. If only plane tickets were cheaper, I would fly to attend her exhibition in Québec in a few months...

When life is yucky, find a few minutes to look at it differently. What made you smile ? What makes you feel better ? Soak in these feelings of joy and blessings. It will make it easier, I promise <3

If you wrote your Gratitude Friday on your blog, don't forget to enter your NAME and URL below so I'm notified and can come to read you (you can also join by commenting this post):

But I really was needing to get back to painting and art journaling, after a 3-week break. My husband and my mom made me noticed that it was beginning to really affect my mood.

I wanted to do a new {Painting in Motion} video for ages and to record the first painting created in this new beginning that is our life here.

I finally pointed out also what was causing the creative hole I was in: I want to paint on big surfaces and feel constricted on my usual sizes (8x10" and such). But I want to use the surfaces I already have so it won't lay around here for ever.
I will also probably listen to my husband's advice and use the old canvases used but that I don't like and re-do them. What's on it will serve as a start for texture and color, and we'll see what'll happen from there. Promise to be interesting !

I am currently in the amazing Mindy Lacefield online class (finishing this week BUT she will soon be offering an «at your own pace» version of it, for those of you who wanted to wait a bit etc) called «Paint your story».
I really don't regret spending my money on this. She is a fabulous teacher and the community gathered in her class is just fantastic. What she teaches us in the class is centered around play, finding again how to let our 7yo self out while painting and creating.

You know how building meaningful artwork is dear to my heart, and this is really the class I needed for that. To get the permission to use bold colors and symbols even if only I understand them. And that the story I tell in my painting does not have to be unfold, everyone can see in it what s-he wanna/needs (to) see.

I struggled A LOT with her face. Now, I know why but on the moment I was just very frustrated. This is in moments like this that I am happy I learned not to be too attached to a painting until I feel like it's finished, so I can build over and cover up when needed.

I love filming when I paint because often, I forget my process, and I then can use my videos as a library of past processes. AND sharing it with people give me plenty of fresh eyes, allowing me to see stuff I did not.
I wish I'd know more about the editing process though, but it will come.
I wanted to do a voice over comment, and started. But when I listened to the first segments, the noise from outside were too present, added to my cold it was just not good enough. So sorry, not this time again.

Here it is (be warned, despite me speeding up, it is quite a long one):

It's not easy to find all the material I've used but here is what I was able to find, hoping that helps:

If you have any question, please feel free to ask

It's so amazing to notice how we all see success differently for example.
Speaking of it, you can find all the ten answers to the question that was on my blog (Success in business is...) right here.
I advise you to go on the blog to see all the other questions (about collaboration, about struggle, about hope... and so much more !), just here.

Robin will be running two other sessions with other Flying Lessons alumni (and she has some really cool stuff in her sleeves about this project). Can't wait to learn from them, the next round will begin soon in a month: June 15 !
You can already meet the participants and find out the new questions.

If you missed some of the soulful goodness that has been shared, make sure and head over to the blog the holds ALL THE DETAILS on the project: CLICK HERE

I really hope you enjoyed what you've read for these 10 days and that you discovered new artists you now enjoy.

Here is my answer to the question I was assigned:

Success in business is defined as….

Success in business, for me, is defined as being able to be recognized as being an artist both by my pairs AND by myself.

Success in business is having happy customers that come back to order something else and talk positively about you and what you do.

I have signed up for Christy Tomlinson's new online class called Your Living Canvas, starting in a few weeks. And I know that one week will be dedicated to Balance. I can't wait for that !

Etsy shop: http://www.hazelnutcottage.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.hazelnutcottage.typepad.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hazelnutcottage
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hazelnutcottage

Jan Avellana is a mixed-media artist with a passion for art making, books, deep conversations, and seaside adventures with her three favorite men (ages 5, 8 and 42). Jan spent the better part of her adult life trying very hard to be a grown-up with a traditional job. The birth of her two sons released her to follow her heart and reclaim the artist she has always been. In 2007, Jan created a line of silver hand stamped jewelry under the Hazelnut Cottage brand. Today, she revels in mixed-media messes, making heartfelt connections with others through art and words.

In print, you can find jan in “The Pulse of Mixed Media”, “Inside the Creative Studio”, “Artful Blogging, Winter 2011” and “ClothPaperScissors Studios”. In life, you can find her immersed in the studio or at the beach (with paint in her hair).

Success in business is defined as….
Hmmm…I’d say, that I define “success in business” as reaching your financial goals in a way that comfortably sustains the business, while engaging in meaningful work that is aligned with your personal values and goals. “Success in business” also means growing your business at a rate that allows you to maintain your sanity and avoids burnout. As indie artists, so many times we wear all of the hats and play all of the important business roles from accountant, to marketing specialist to artist, so having a successful business also means having enough down time to just be a normal human-being instead of having to work around the clock to get it all done.

Please, go there to find the other blogs and read the other questions/answers

Sonya McCllough

http://www.sonyamacdesigns.com
https://www.facebook.com/sonyamacdesigns
https://twitter.com/#!/sonyamacdesigns
http://www.youtube.com/user/sonyamacdesigns

Years in Business = 12

Brief Bio:
I’m this crazy JESUS loving creative … with 2 children living smack in the middle of Tennessee. The seeds of my creativity were watered with knitting needles, yarn and nine kittens on a rock covered patio in the mid sixties. Today, we hold the fort down with a few less kittens (3) … and thankfully my creative edge remains in tact. I’m often inspired by some odd ball stuff & compelled to create by the sweet whispers of the HOLY Spirit. An idea generator am I. Creative collaboration is a sweet spot with me and many have locked creative hands with me to work on projects like The Bond & Respond Quilt project of 2010, Inspired Studios Magazine & The Creative Biz Marathon. My service to HIM in the body of the church currently is that of Women’s Ministry Coordinator, Southeast Baptist Church Murfreesboro TN.

Success in business is defined as ….
Success in business to me is defined as my life (offline & online) & my business both reflect a single objective. Which is to inspire others with words & images.

Please, go there on the other blogs to find the other questions/answers

Blog: www.jeansimrose.typepad.com
Etsy shop: www.jeansimrose.etsy.com

Brief Bio:
I was born and raised in Canada in a very creative family. We were encouraged to work with our hands and pursue creative hobbies. My sisters and I were taught to sew, knit and crochet at a young age. I liked to design clothes and jewelry to go with them.

My careers were varied and diverse. I was a hairdresser. I worked as an administrative assistant for an oil company while my two sons were growing up. After they moved out on their own I went back to university and became a social worker. I worked with people with disabilities and mental illnesses for many years. Art and crafts became therapy and a way to connect with my clients. I facilitated support groups and encouraged my clients’ creativity and skills as well as developing my own.

In 2005 I remarried and moved to the Seattle area. I took a Silversmithing course offered at a local college. I made jewelry as gifts for family and friends and as I learned new techniques my inventory increased. I started my blog and an on-line Etsy shop in 2009. Since then I have enjoyed participating in art and craft fairs in the U.S. and Canada. I love connecting with new people and expanding my knowledge of this very diverse craft.

I hope people enjoy my jewelry as much as I enjoy making it.

Success in business is defined as….
Success in business for me is being financially secure while I’m doing something I love. I need to feel like I’m appreciated and that I inspire others. Art and crafts have always been a way for me to connect with people. When I worked as a mental health social worker I facilitated a support group for my clients to teach them ways to relax. I taught them different art projects; I watched them express themselves creatively and become passionate about something. It gave me a sense of accomplishment in my work. Unfortunately working in the mental health field is very stressful in other ways and causes a lot of social workers to “burn out”. Before I did that I decided to pursue other avenues to get what I needed to feel successful. I want to be sought after for my jewelry, to be respected in the industry and be inspired and feel fulfilled by my work. I also need to feel as though I am contributing in some small way and teaching other helps me to do that. I have a long way to go to accomplish my goals but I’m enjoying the journey!

Please, go there to find the other blogs and read the other questions/answers

Name of Business: The School of Creative Business

Blog: www.schoolofcreativebusiness
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AleaseMichelle
Twitter: @Alease Michelle

Years in business: 4

Brief Bio:
As an expert, Alease lends knowledge to the press, editorials and serves as a subject-matter expert. She is a sought-after presenter in the areas of creative marketing, personal image, branding and fashion.
As a professor, Alease is committed to her student’s education, furthering their exposure and considers their success a direct reflection of herself.
As a mixed-media artist, Alease participated in several exhibitions. Wishing to market her artistic endeavors, she found little advice available. This, coupled with her passion for education – she tracked her online marketing & branding journey and founded The School of Creative Business.

Current Projects:
On a 12 Week Sabbatical
(video updates) https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150720851787080&saved#!/video/?id=818177079

101 Free Resources to Grow Your Creative Business

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150720851787080&saved#!/SchoolofCreativeBusiness/app_197602066931325

Creative Entrepreneurs of the Month Interviews

http://aleasemichelle.typepad.com/my_weblog/creative-entrepreneur-interviews/

Starting Points for Creative Entrepreneurs webinars

http://www.anymeeting.com/AMStudio

Success in business is defined as….
A business that showcases your true love. And you are happy working, managing and growing the business.

Please, go there to find the other blogs and read the other questions/answers

Kelly Thiel

Name of Business: Kelly Thiel Studio

Website: kellythielstudio.com
Blog: kellythielpottery.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/kellyTpottery
Facebook: facebook.com/KellyThielSculpture

Years in Business: 10

Brief Bio:
An artist and a mother of two young girls, Kelly Thiel lives in South Carolina, USA creating award-winning clay and bronze sculptures, as well as doing art journaling and mixed media paintings. She just finished building a new studio at her home, and is dying to log some real hours in there! Kelly is doing her best to live life to the fullest and enjoy each day, with her art and her family.

Success in Business is defined as…..
I’ve recently been able to narrow down my definition of success a bit more. It used to be something akin to “Make Cool Stuff”. Not so much anymore. Now that I have two young daughters, I am interested in generating income to use for the education of these two girls. I have recently decided that I will be “successful” if I can do several things: Generate enough money with my art for the ‘education fund’, exhibit with a certain caliber of galleries, and receive some peer recognition. The thought of these things keeps me awake some nights. But I think that's a good thing

Please, go there to find the other blogs and read the other questions/answers

Hello !

I know I did not published a Gratitude Friday in what seems like FOREVAAAAAAAAAA but I will try to get back to it from now on.

Despite the huge amount of stress I still feel today, it's important for me to thank for all the blessings I receive. Even the tiniest ones.

This week, I am thankful for:

• This new home we just moved in. I can't believe how perfect it is for us, and it is OURS (well... it will be in 20-ish years, for now it's to the bank lol).
• My husband, he is the bestest and I could never have dreamt of a better match for me.
• I am one of the artist interviewed for Cindy Jones Lantier's project called Mixed Media May (or M3), you can read my interview just right here.
• Speaking of projects, I love being part of the project 101010 (you can see daily blogposts of the others participants answers).
• I've finally started to paint the walls of my future creative studio. It will be a beautiful teal. I am thankful for this opportunity to finally have my space to create and work.
• Thank you to my friends. They are dear to my heart.
• The good nights of sleep. I'm beginning to be okay with being exhausted, I still have good nights of sleep again and I love that.
• I love finding inspiration in the most surprising places. Like a restaurant washroom wall.
• Starting to take care of my health again. Exercising. Better eating. I want to be back to the Nolwenn I know I should be. And I KNOW I can do it.

If you wrote your Gratitude Friday on your blog, don't forget to enter your NAME and URL below so I'm notified and can come to read you (you can also join by commenting this post):