My Etsy Shop - Ya Ya Scrap and Print

When I'm not creating scrapbook pages or making soap, I think.

Thinking is usually emotional for me as I am in the last quarter of my life. Those my age will totally understand this.

I do a lot of reflecting on my past and a lot of projecting about my future.  What makes me happy and how do I want to " close my life."

In my reflections (that thinking that I do a lot of), I always know that creating makes me happy. I am inspired by my family and I want to create something for them. I am inspired by other crafters and artists and I want to create like them.

Mixed media art, for me, was born out this reflection. But,... I only shared my pieces with friends and family.

After much encouragement, however, (though lacking in actual courage), I took a leap out of my comfort zone and listed prints of my Whimsical Girlz on Etsy.

The real decision was made after my sister, (Tracy) quoted Emerson to me on the phone. She said, "Every artist was once an amateur." The very next day, one of my favorite mixed media artists (also whose name is Tracy) posted this exact quote on her fb page. Puhleeeese people, I can take a hint when its offered by two people I truly admire.

So...Yup... I actually opened a shop to share my art. Each girl has an inspirational message that I was inspired to create her from.

The more I 'think' , the more paintings I will create. Yay me!

Check out my shop...each view gives me more encouragement...each favorite helps me believe.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/YaYaScrapandPrint

Ya Ya

Memories Stopped on 9/11

Today, as I listened and watched the sentiments of so many, I came to realize that many are mourning the loss of loved ones, many are trying to grab hold of the idea of a strong and united country and many physically paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy.

Myself, I couldn't help mourning for the family members still  living .... of those who lost a love one in the tragedy and who lost the opportunity of creating more memories with their loved one. Their memories stopped on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

I prayed for them, today. 

                                                 

                                                        ~Ya Ya

Dabbling in Multimedia Canvases

I woke up to rain this morning. Being cool and overcast, I had no guilt about settling in and scrapping ALL DAY!

As I sipped my coffee, however, I grabbed a pad of paper and a pencil to make my daily "to do" list. I am a list maker for everything.

No one was up yet and it was so, quiet. Well, except for the rain. I just kept thinking of how peaceful it was in the kitchen. The patio doors were open and I could smell the rain.

I just kept thinking that, at that moment, I had calm in my heart. So much for my list; I wanted to paint!

I drew what I felt... Peace and Calm

As time progressed.... my table got messier and my list was all but forgotten.

Then, I was done. From calm, to chaotic, to peace-full.

And, I love her.

    Ya Ya

~

Here are some of the past paintings I've done.

Always Learning

For months, I have contemplated whether  it would be beneficial for me have the ability to add content to my blog using my phone.

I am a creature of habit and I love being in my comfort zone. I am confident in my comfort zone. My life seems to move just the way I want it to there.

Why would I want to do anything that might make me feel ill at ease? The answer is that I love to learn and I don't want to get behind where technology is concerned.

My phone is amazing and I want to be able to utilize it as much as possible. I want to be mobile and not have to be chained to my desktop.

So, in envy of those around me who do amazing things with their phones, I download the blogger app on my phone.

And... I looked at the icon for weeks. I thought long and hard about trying to post. What would I say? Will it work? Will it be easy?

So, here it is. A test, really, to see if I am comfortable with this. I'll post my feelings once I see if this works.... here goes....

Ya Ya