Featured in Create With Me!

Over the moon excited to share some FAB news with all my blogland friends! I submitted an article to Create With Me magazine back in September. And today I picked up the winter issue at Michael's. I was floored to discover that the article about Rebekah and I was featured in a 4 page spread. Wowza.

 

Now, I love each step on this art/business journey. Each one is a thrill. But this one... This one rocks more than usual. You see.... Rebekah and I have been through a lot together. I was pregnant for her when my mom was sick and dying of cancer. My baby kept me strong for my mama. Her name was the last one my mother ever spoke in this world... a gift she left to her unborn, yet already treasured grandaughter.

Then, after Rebekah was born, my psoriatic arthritis returned with a hideous vengeance. My body was wracked with pain, and I could not control my legs, arms, or hands. It was a nightmare. But my amazing husband took charge of everyone and everything else in our life, while I focussed on our baby. I needed pillows propped to nurse her because I was unable to hold her securely.

During those scarey days, I refused to give in. I stayed up nights with her on my lap, and learned graphic design and HTML. I started a new artistic career selling ebay templates since I was unable to create handmade items.

As time went on, and I was no longer nursing, I was able to return to weekly Enbrel injections. It took a long time for my hands to be limber enough to work again. But once I could, we set up my workshop area, and I began working on dolls and other prim items again. Rebekah was by my side day in and day out. She would sit at my desk, and pretty much run the show. She reminded me of all the joys and wonders in the little every day things, as only a little girl can. The more I discovered the little girl in me, the more whimsical my art became. (I say discover and not REdiscover because I think I left behind my childhood at about age 7. Thought I was all grown up, and wanted nothing to do with childish nonsense. What a goober I was!!!)

As the years passed by, Rebekah continued to be my #1 fan, constant companion, and contributing assistant. She would work in her own sketchbook, and always wanted me to use her work in my mixed media pieces. As this evolved, we worked more and more steadily together. And as you can read in the article, it was Rebekah who inspired the entire "Wherever You Are Is My Home" series we create together, and with the rest of our little clan :)

So... although every milestone is exciting. And every publication is special. This one is a gift to my heart, and I hope to Rebekah's. I can honestly say I would not be working at this artful dream without her inspiration and patience. And it's a dream come true to share this special Create With Me article with her.

Speaking of dreams come true. Remember my New Year's "resolution"? ACTION!!! That one little word has had big consequences in my life. Try it!!! Let go of everything that is holding you back. It's more than believing in yourself. It's moving forward, even in doubt. It's growing, accomplishing, learning, BEING all we are created to be. ACTION... a good word.

 

I also have a painting in the Somerset Studio January/February 2012 issue! So cool to be there among so many friends, teachers, and admired artists! I love, loVE, LOVE this online art community!!!

 

New Paintings and an "artsy doo"...

 

~3 New Paintings Listed Today~
Check them out in our Hallowed Hill Shop.

  Oh...And while I was busy photographing and listing
My girls were busy too...

giving the little one a new doo.
I've got my own "Whoo Girl" now!
:)

  

A New Year's "Resolution"...

We all think about resolutions at this time of year. Sadly, I've read more and more folks posting on blogs and social network sites, that they have abandoned New Year's resolutions. I understand the motive. As many have explained, those darned resolutions set us up for failure. We defeat ourselves before we even begin by making a huge list of things we want to improve upon "this year". Usually, it's a lifelong challenge, but this is the year, we resolve to finally beat it.

No wonder we fail.

And what a shame that we begin the year by focusing on our weaknesses. That's not really a positive way to start anything, now is it?

Though, something about abandoning resolutions really tears at my heartstrings. There's something good about reflecting, and commiting on growing. I, personally, believe that growth is essential right up until the moment of death in order for us to live a fulfilled life. I like the idea of never giving up on myself in areas where I know I ought to "do better".

Wishes, Dreams, Plans... Those are all great.  But without a little resolve, most of us never graduate past the dream stage. And what good is a dream that doesn't come true? I want my reality to be my "dream life". And for the most part it is. But that is totally the result of dreams+resolve=Living that dream.

So.... as I've pondered this thoroughly, I've come to some conclusions...

I am convinced that we fail at our resolutions because all we do is focus on the negatives, but have no plan... no goal as to HOW to turn those into positives. I think rather than focus on the negative things we want to avoid, or change, we should focus on what positive thing we can focus on to be all that we "dream" we can be.

I've been thinking about my typical resolution lists over the years. Usually they have the same biggies on them. Rather than looking at them individually, I tried to discover the root cause. Then, instead of focusing on that cause, I decided to find the virtue, or practice... good habit, you might say... that would best aid in the overcoming of the challenges I want to conquer.

I've combined that thought process with what some of my friends have done the past couple of years... adopting a "word" to live by. In fact, it's a word that has popped into my life many times this past year. And I've already put it to practice a few times, and seen amazing results. My word for 2012 is:

When I'm feeling lazy,

When I'm stuck in creative cement because of undue perfectionism,

When I'm feeling an attack of insecurity

When I'm floundering on decisions...
"Action"
will be the word I use as a prompt to inspire me.

That is my resolve for 2012... To take action.

Ironically, 2011 has catapulted me into this mindset. There are some major uncertainties awaiting me in the coming weeks. I am a bit scared. But I know that no matter what happens, it will require action. And I am resolved not to lose focus, or lose heart. One of my favorite movies ever is Meet The Robinsons. Two great lessons are merged, which are such gifts to live by. One is "letting go", and the other is that as long as you keep at it, there's no such thing as failure... just another step in the process of learning what works and what doesn't. So, even if things should not turned out as I hope and pray... I will pull up my big girl bloomers, and take action to make things better. All we can do is move forward. And I intend to do that with gusto in 2012.
*

This is the second year, that my resolution is more of a theme, you might say. For 2011, I chose the serenity prayer. I must share that it had miraculous affects on me. In every situation, I was able to remember that prayer, and let go of what I couldn't change, immediately! It's true! No wallowing on useless worries, etc. What a gift! And I was able to focus my strength on dealing with the things I could change. It's the ultimate "choose your battles" prayer. And it got me through some tough times with true grace. I've decided to keep it as my life's motto.

"Happy New Year"

Dear Friends.
I pray you all have a 2012

overflowing with blessings and joy.

 



NEW! Prints are now being offered in our Shop!

 

We are now offering prints of our various mixed media paintings

in our Etsy Shop! We'll be adding more regularly, so keep checking in!

 

Shop Update!

I just added these 3 Clay House Pendants to our
Hallowed Hill Etsy Shop!
Just click on the photos to visit the shop...

All 3 pendants include the 18" black ribbon/cord with lobster clasps!

  

Shop Update!

Listed 3 new paintings in our Hallowed Hill Shop tonight :)

"St. Rose Of Lima"
(Click for details and/or to purchase)  

"Sing A New Song"
(Click for details and/or purchase)

"A Faithful Friend"

SOLD(Thank You)

Focus...

I just read a most interesting quote, "Think narrow to hit big. The way to crack a massive stone is to find the single point of weakness. The same is true with most things. Don’t worry about a million things. Work on the one that cracks the big stone open." (Chris Brogan)

Hmmm... All these thoughts flooded in. Seems like every successful person I admire, whether their endeavors were business, family life, or on a larger spiritual scale, followed that same advice. We've all heard the story of the millions of star fish on the beach, and the person  throwing them back one by one... And one of my all-time heros, Mother Theresa, often spoke about how the only way to deal with the massive poverty and illness was one precious person at a time.

I've shared before about how my perfectionism can be paralyzing at times. And the irony is that my house and business are a mess. I have a thousand half-started projects. I need to start focussing on the individual pieces that need to be dealt with rather than always looking at the whole picture. I need to take action, and find that "single point of weakness", in order to crack the stone of perfectionism, and move forward.

  

Thanksgiving...

Another Thanksgiving...And this one not nearly as "Martha Stewart" as I usually attempt.Too much on the ol' table this year... literally and figuratively.My husband has been very sick for many months.One of the things I am most thankful for is that although his ailment was serious, the surgery was not. He is on the mend, but still in a lot of pain.So... we're doing "low key" this year.Or, at least as "low key" as you can get with 6 kids, a grandbaby, a nephew, two girlfriends, a boyfriend, a dog, and a bunny.
Who am I kidding?There's no such thing as a low key dinner here any day of the year! I look forward to the noise, the scents, the hugs, the laughter.
And then my FAVORITE day of the year!!!Everyone else calls it Black Friday.We call it..."Cuddle Day"We all stay in our pj'sWatch our favorite Christmas/Old movies.Eat magnificent left overs.And, of course, cuddle.
:)

But before "Cuddle Day" is Thanksgiving.And I have thought of what I am most thankful for this year... T...
The internet. Without it, I could not do what I do, and be a stay at home mom (and grandmom).H...Holidays that make us stop and gather.A...Art. Truly... without it, the earth would only be eh.N...New England. I am in awe of the beauty in every season.K...Kisses. And 30 years of the best of them.F...Faith & Family & Friends.U...U.S. service members who are away from their families keeping mine safe.L...Laughter. It really is the best medicine.  "Happy Thanksgiving" Dear Friends!!!
I am ever thankful for you ALL

Isn't it funny?

I sold my favorite little "graphite girl" this week.
I'm very grateful.And as an artist, I love it when someone else is touched by my work.
But... 

Isn't it funny?
Our art comes from such a personal place inside of us.

It's hard to let go sometimes.
:)

 

I'm still here!!!

Many of my facebook and Etsy teammates are already aware that I've been very busy working on a new endeavor. My husband and I have always supported and assisted each other in our artistic projects. Our children have also become more and more involved in our art and music over the years. We really wanted to commit to working together, as a family. Rather then dividing our time between conflicting work, art projects, and family time, it seemed more wise to find a way to combine them all, and spend more time all working on what we love... TOGETHER :)

For "some reason", working under Linda Pinda Designs didn't mesh with everyone... LOL. So we decided to resurrect a business name we had created a few years ago for a special project. Now, we'll be offering all of our Artwork, Photography, and Music through our website and Etsy shop as Hallowed Hill. You can click on our banner to visit the site, and our Etsy shop, facebook, twitter, and pinterest links are there as well. We'd LOVE IT if you'd consider following our blog.

 

 

So.... what does this mean for Linda Pinda Designs? I'm not really sure, to be honest with you. I think I'll stay active here as well. I've made way too many friends and business aquaintances to leave it behind. But for the moment, my attention business-wise is really focussed on Hallowed Hill. I hope that you'll join me there to discover the new path we're taking with our art and photography.  Our photography has been really nicely recieved, and has become my favorite part of our new business. The family roadtrips to capture New England countryside and urban charm is my favorite family business perk! But, I also have a dining room table overflowing with clay pendants awaiting a final seal, muslin dolls with their sketched faces, and about a dozen canvases with painted backgrounds just waiting to see who or what will appear next!

Can anyone say "Thanksgiving"? Don't ask me where our guests are going to sit. Hubby's been dealing with some health issues, so that studio was pushed to the back burner, and our projects have taken over just about every inch of living space. I've got what??? Two weeks to figure this all out??? With hubby's surgery this week. Oh my. Why, oh, why did I not have a sister who could host the occassional holiday??? One's thing's for sure... Life's never dull around here!

I will share some of those finished projects with you soon! Love you all :)