LOVE and LIFE...I want to get it right...don’t you?

Love yourself and others right where you are. I’m a reflector. It’s hard for me to move through life smoothly and confidently without my constant evaluations. Are you this way? I have no idea if it’s a blessing or a curse. These evaluations are for ALL my areas of life too. I really thought I kept them to myself. However, my daughter Sofia’s friends Dad told me “you have a lot of thoughts about everything” and he was just picking up his daughter from a play date standing on the front steps of my house. We had less than a 5 min conversation!!! Lol. I’m certain he had NO idea how loudly I heard this comment. It was at that moment 5 or 6 years ago that this personality trait was in the spotlight of my awareness. However his comment made me laugh out loud at this realization of myself. I wasn’t even sure what his intentions were for saying this, but I was enlightened. I do know this...as a woman(and all the roles we carry in life) I WANT TO DO IT RIGHT! It’s not that easy. Over the past few months(well maybe my whole life as long as I can remember) I have been reflecting whether or not my lifes efforts are worthwhile. I want to be intentional with all areas. I’m aware no one can have it all, but I’d like to walk away with satisfaction that with what I was given I did it mostly right. How can we measure this? Definitely not by looking around on Instagram or Facebook! Loll. Well since I’m a “professional life evaluator” (yes this is a title I think I’ve earned) I think for me it’s seeing love in the people you have invested in no matter how big or small. For everyone, this can be your family, kids, other people’s kids, roommates, students, coworkers, neighbors, strangers etc. This can obviously be done in so many ways with whatever is put into your life. My struggle is I get so busy with my daily tasks that I lose sight of this most important thing and sometimes I can be far from loving. Often it’s hard to even realize that I’ve ignored the closest people around me because I get so focused on my responsibilities. For me, I’ve given Jesus the job of nudging me back into balance.  I can rest in the safety of knowing He ultimately wants the best for all of us. When we lose our way(which happens to me more than I’d like to admit) He brings that into light because He is PERFECT LOVE and wants us to be whole and full of joy. This process for me usually starts with a meltdown (a really ugly one) and an inward reflection and realization that I’m out of balance. This am while working my way back once again, this verse was in my morning quiet time and I’m hoping maybe you can find rest in it also. If you made it this far in my post,  I’m including my new favorite recipe to survive a meltdown: gluten free chocolate chip pancakes. Happy Valentines Day❤️

XOXO,

Tracy

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Pancakes...Yum!

• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 tbsp sugar or other natural sweetener
• 1 1/2 cups white or brown rice flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Mix wet ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients together. Mix wet and dry ingredients together. I add 4-6 choc chips to each pancake after I pour the pancake on the griddle. Feel free to stir them into batter if you rather;)
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Ask yourself this question, you won't regret it?

Thank you Mackenzie and Jennifer for this cute pic!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working a booth at the Johns Creek Art Festival put on by Splash Festivals. I got a phone call a few months ago by the owner of this business, Frances, asking me to consider participating in the outdoor venue. Her and I have had a conversation every year for the past 5 years and each year I say no thank you because it's outdoors(a big risk with art and weather). She is always very nice and extremely convincing. This year I told her I would think about it. After looking at my inventory and praying for wisdom(I step in plenty of well meaning opportunities that I have no business doing) I told her yes! This is what happens when you have a full plate and no extra time but your passion isn't taking NO for an answer. I love to paint!!! Love❤️it's my platform. It's a way I can say something that I can't say verbally. People are my thing. When God made me he built a lot of sensitivity toward people and relationships that is unquenchable. I'm also obsessed with community.  I can't meet or hug enough people in my lifetime. Their stories and excitement for their families, projects and interests motivate me. So my question for you is "Do you take or force the time in your life to fan the flame of whatever moves you?" Life gets in the way and all of us could never have the time. As I am watching my kids get older and graduate high school, I am SO grateful I didn't ignore this side of me. It gives me an outlet to express what I'm going through and sharpens my skills at the same time. It also demonstrates to my kids that they also should value their passions and prioritize them as they go through life. This past weekend was a sacrifice for my family that I realize. I couldn't do the things I normally can do for myself or for them. They all had to adjust and they did an amazing job(minus the laundry piled up). I also think they are proud of me when they see me work really hard on my craft and I have finished artwork that they can see the effort and passion on canvas. 

Things I learned this past weekend:

Intrigued:

All people have something interesting to offer. I met so many kids, adults, and pets that were friendly or quirky with a funny saying on their shirt, a personal story or I saw cool flourescent pink shoes and lots and lots of doggies to pet. 

Jealous:

Everyone seems to enjoy an outdoor festival and Atlanta has a lot! There was good music, food trucks, good weather and and lots of personally crafted items for any reason but even better for gifts.  I obviously don't get out enough! People are having fun without me and it made me want to do something fun with my family or friends ASAP. 

Grateful:

My community of friends are a witness to me and always show me what love looks like in action. Hopefully you have a healthy group of friends and a loving family. I am grateful that God has blessed our family with the community we are in because they regularly give me a look at what generosity looks like from a time, effort and love standpoint. I'm also an art teacher at Mount Pisgah Christian School and was taken back by how many of my students and their families took the time to come visit. Thank you thank you thank you! I was overwhelmed by this gratefulness and am learning what I need to do better. Know better do better;)

Inspired:

Real art (or fill in blank with your talent)takes love, passion, and vulnerability to be successful and I met some amazing artists this weekend!

There was an artist (Leigh Ann)who sells her work under the name "moon bound girl" and it is soooo dreamy. (Look her up)I loved all the scenarios that her subject lives in. They are very imaginitive, happy and colorful. She was telling me that her and her husband are on the road constantly with her art and her new book that I can't wait to read! I was also across and next to artists from Tennessee and South Georgia that have both spent years perfecting their craft and it shows. All of these ladies have kids and families that were also there helping out with the art festival. Pursuing your passion takes some Moxie (thanks Karen) and hard work but you and I are worth it! So again I ask you..."Do you take or force the time in your life to fan the flame of whatever moves you?" I really hope so! 

Xoxo

Tracy

My friends...If there is any week to buy art in ATL it's this upcoming week at Trinity Spotlight on Art!!!

"The Guardian"

Trinity Spotlight on Art is an amazing market held Jan 30-Feb 4 2017 in Atlanta. It has artists from all over the country that had to be invited to participate. It's a great place to shop for art without all the pressure of going into a gallery(sometimes at much better pricing). You should check it out!




Art is my personal love language... whats yours?

I've been dying to write you!!! It's been way too long... twelve days to be exact. You should know these days I am always thinking about what I'd like this platform to become. Our platform! I've met, shared, and worked along side so many amazing women in my life that do incredible things with their time. It only seems fitting that this blog should be a landing spot to host your stories and endeavors when possible. The only thing better than being able to share our lives and missions with our immediate circles is a public place that can impact more people for a larger cause. I know there are lots of sites and apps to create this sort of thing, but they are more of a singular focus. This could be a gathering spot filled with colorful real life stories that will have a community exposure. It could raise awareness to come along side you if needed for extra support or it can spark creativity or passion for others to extend in a new direction. I love hearing about the inspirational impact women have with their creativity, leadership, and work ethic that they share with others. Wouldn't you? I spend lots of time reading biographies and articles about strangers that have been able to accomplish great things. We have plenty of that to share right in our circles. As Christians, we are the hands and feet of one body capable of lots when we all function together. I'm all about "gathering" and I'm really excited and hoping to build something that will make the word "COMMUNITY" sound a little different. Happy Friday! xoxo Tracy

Your happy place🌞

 

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, ...

 

...or maybe something that makes YOUR world AWESOME. 

As I'm sitting here dreaming of the possibility of snow tomorrow, it made me wonder if everyone else is doing the same ...which made me want to write to you. A friend of mine gave me this wooden box (in the photo) as a birthday present with this quote embossed on it. I loved having it sit on my counter all semester to look at as I started a new job teaching art to our future generation. It was VERY scary to me once I agreed to take the job. As usual, I get excited about something new and jump in with two feet before understanding the scope of what I dove into. Eyeroll at myself. I'm a mom, wife, and artist. This new job meant reducing my other responsibilities and my painting hours in studio. The teaching job has been challenging,but I love knowing I get to teach kids to love art. Andy Stanley did a series called "Helping the next Gen win". I highly recommend watching it online(some things in life are free..lol). It was mainly about investing ourselves in who is coming behind us.(and not just our own family) We all mostly live in a smaller circle of space within the world where we share our lives with the same people over and over. We get used to and enjoy our rhythms and schedules...well mostly. The start of 2017 has prompted me to make a few leaps into new territory. One of my passions that I hope to develop more is encouraging people to pursue their best selves while stepping outside the lines. It's hard to make time to do something new, but I believe a new experience (short or long term) creates a new energy that spills over into other parts of my life, and it would for you too. It can revive what we do routinely. Make a list of something you have been interested in or skills that you have that aren't used regularly and brainstorm ways to use these to "Create something that will make the world awesome". 

Happy Thursday,

Tracy

Just for fun/

Fav spring fashion color: Navy craze

Fav spring fashion trends: arm sleeve slits, lots of beach towel/beach umbrella type stripes on apparel and extra large cuff on bottom of cropped pants. 

**If you enjoy watching fashion week,I highly recommend watching (spring 2017) ...Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Prada. It was exciting to see what's coming because wherever you shop for clothes the top designers will influence the overall market. 

 

Family, Women, Art, Fashion, Home...Hello 2017!!!

Hello Friends! Can we talk? I've been waiting for the right time.

I figure now is as good as any because it's the fresh beginning I've anticipated. You know the time when it seems like you might be moving homes (based on the large number of stuffed bags and boxes from clearing out), but really it's just the new year knocking. I'm hoping for a year of fresh new and exciting experiences. What are you hoping for? Some years are like a wild ride on a rickety roller coaster. Ups and downs, twists and turns with the creaking and clacking of the wood on the steep inclines letting you know you might not be safe as well as the rush of adrenaline on the decline hoping you survive. Some years are more constant with a smooth pace that seem like the hands of time moving consistently without any variance. What will it be this year? In my mind, I'm sprinting towards tomorrow. I'm ready and hoping we can share our new journey together. HELLO 2017!