Big Girl Art Show

How are you all doing? I miss you. It`s hard not coming here more often to share my thoughts and my journey. However, there has been no room for dilly dallying...  I`ve been so busy finalizing an ART grant application, sending 18 large paintings in the mail (OMG...I`m learning the hard way), writing, painting, and trying to keep it all in check.

The thing is, I`m leaving in four days for my ART Opening in Quebec city. To be honest, I really don`t have time in my life right now to go there and do this... and I`m realizing that`s a problem.  If I can`t make time to honour and celebrate my FIRST SOLO ART SHOW in Quebec city-out of all places, then something is definitely wrong with this picture.

Here is a snapshot of some of the work that will be there...18 in all!

So, I made the decision. I`m taking off with one of my favorite people, my cousin Christine. We`ll be in one of Canada`s most beautiful cities for three nights, soaking in as much art and culture that we can stand. I`m happy that I decided to stop and smell the roses after so much work. I`m happy that I`m making the time to celebrate this achievement before setting sail on the next big goal or dream.

I`m learning that I need to breathe more and pause often. I`m learning that good things bring more good things and sometimes you need to stop to enjoy the good things or it just seems like one giant ugly thing with three heads, no matter how pretty it was in the beginning. 

So, I`m off again. Thank God Steve is done with his first year of Medical School (Yay Steve!) I can leave and breathe and know that everything will be OK. I believe more than ever that we need to value all of our moments; the big ones the small ones and especially the firsts that happen in Quebec city. I`ll be the girl with the smile on my face, the gratitude in my heart, and the feet planted firmly in the present. I wish I could see you all there.  What should you pause to celebrate right now? I`d love to hear about it.  xox

Here is the link to show info: 

La Plume Blanche

The White Feather

 

Letter to Myself

COMING OUT THIS JUNE!!!!! 

YES! I'M ON THE COVER OF SEW SOMERSET!!!

What is it about-when I reach another goal, realize another dream, manifest another desire...what is it that makes the JOY slowly dissipate and seep into the ground?  What is it that makes me fill up with glee and happiness and then suddenly turn around to kick the dirt on the ground and wonder if I really deserve all this good stuff that is happening to me this year?  What is that makes me feel like I can achieve whatever I set my heart on and believe it with all my might, only to replace it with doubt and several omgs, you again, why are you getting so much love?

I'm learning a lot about myself this year as I continue to do belly flops and nose dives into the world of possibility and maybes and what ifs and why nots and you never know. I'm learning a lot as I face fear head on and plow through it one step at a time.

I'm learning that even when good things happen AMAZING things happen, I still question them, I still second guess them, I still wonder if I really deserve them.

But. When I'm really quiet.  When I take the time to be silent and go into my heart and listen for the truth. When I force myself go there and sit, this is what I hear:

Danielle, you beautiful stubborn girl,
Accept these gifts the Universe is giving you.
Open your arms wide and hold your head high.
These are the same seeds you planted along the way.
The ones you nurtured with hard work, love and hope,
And a deep knowing. You know the one.
They are now sprouting through the soil.
Glistening in the sunlight.

Stand in the beauty of your successes.
Ignore the ugly whispers telling you.
You don't deserve this love and support.
Stop giving a damn about what people might say; her again.
Or what they won't say.
Yet another thing to celebrate.
Stop trying to convince yourself that you deserve this.
Because so many other things have broken your heart.
Before.
And since you were a small girl.

The truth is, you deserve this-period.
Everybody deserves to be happy.
(Even you.)
Radiate your JOY.
Celebrate your dreams come true.
Count your Blessings.
Express your gratitude.
Those who cannot celebrate these moments with you.
Do not love you any less, they just don't love themselves enough.
To believe they are capable of reaching for the stars.
Capable of catching one, or two and three.

Stand tall dear girl. 
Skip down the street. Dance under the moon.
Sing your songs.  Let the sun shine on your face and the love fill your heart.
You are worth it. You are worth it. You are worth it.

Keep dreaming BIG and no matter what, don't apologize for your happiness.
For your success. For your dreams coming true in front of you.
And for the dreams you have yet to make true.
You are loved. You are loved. You are loved.
You are so stubbornly loved.
So shine on! Shine on! Shine on!
And keep your arms open.
We're far from done.

BIG LOVE from my heart to yours.

Changes

 Hello friends.

I have been deep in thought all week, weighing the pros and cons of different scenarios...I think getting to the decision was the hardest part.

Those of you who have been coming here for the last little while may understand how much I've tried to commit to my writing.  It seems that I have reached a tipping point, one that has brought me to these following changes.

I have decided to temporarily close my ETSY SHOP until I feel as though I can consistently start adding new work.  I have another SOLO show I'm preparing for as well as three group shows.  These commitments coupled with my writing obligations and family responsibilities have left me in a place where I have to make some changes.  My ETSY SHOP may not be back until some time in September... we'll see.

Also, I have decided to cut back on my blogging.  This is not because I don't enjoy it anymore... I LOVE IT. Still.  I will continue to post, just not as often.

Please know this was not an easy decision for me. But I knew I had to cut back somewhere because I just put too much pressure on myself and I don't want to spend day and night working anymore.  Also, it's just too hard to jump in and out of my writing head... I need bigger chunks of time to get the job done.  These stories are begging me to finish them.  I'm finally giving in.

I am so grateful to all of you and hope that you will continue 

to pop in even if it won't be as often.   

My latest painting for Zenith, Quebec

Everything in the shop is now 20% OFF until this evening 8pm, eastern time.

  I'm not sure if I will start with all new items when I return or just bring back my favorites, so if there is something you have had your eye on, now is the time.

USE THIS CODE TO SAVE:  MINUSTWENTY

Thank-you all from my whole heart. 

This creative journey is a wild one... 

Here's to listening to our hearts above all else.

Please visit the shop here.