CREATIVE SUGAR with Valeri Blossom

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Valeri Blossom (where the wild things are or albuquerque, nm).

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

i can't pinpoint one single bit of advice or credit just one person but through the years no matter how discouraged or depressed i was there were people that have believed in me and urged me to keep showing up, to do my best, and stay true to myself. i am ever grateful to the friends and family that used the wisdom of the ages to remind me that following our dreams, with love and forgiveness in our hearts, is the only worthwhile pursuit in this life. to them i am ever grateful.

What's some not-so-great advice you've been given?

some of the worst advice i've ever been given has been by my mother :)

when i was in third grade, my mom told me to confront a bully and say, "go ahead, hit me," assuring me that she wouldn't.

so i went back outside and did just that right before i got swiftly punched in the face.

i was always a little more upset with myself for believing my mom than with the aggressive, angry girl that hit me but that not-so-great advice provided a nifty lesson: when you bravely face life it's blows may be a little softer.

What's Your Biggest Dream?

my biggest dream is to continue painting and writing and create a business from my talents, complete with licensing deals and gallery representation. wanting to be a writer and an artist are the oldest inner whispers i can remember, and even though it took me a long time to really, truly listen to them, i'm glad they never stopped whispering. 

it is paramount that i follow my dreams so that my children will learn (by example) to follow theirs and perhaps they can align themselves on their own path a little sooner than i did.

Favorite Memory:

what comes to mind is something i carry with me and think about often. shortly after my husband and i started dating, eight years ago, we were sitting at a bar. i was flipping through our local "alternative" paper and came across a rental ad for studio space in my favorite part of town. i read the ad to him and said something flippant about wanting such a studio "someday...." but that it likely would never happen and he said, "why not? it could happen."

instead of saying something cynical i stopped myself. it was like an a-ha moment and the first time i was able to dwell in possibility rather than negativity. yeah, why not? it COULD happen!

that moment was pivotal in following my dreams even if it was eight years ago and i feel like i'm still barely starting. in that time, i earned my second degree, had two more children and am now the proud mama to three little men, but i kept taking taking baby steps towards living my dream. 

i now have a space to call my own (a wonderful studio in my home which is actually much better than one across town), the support of my family, and i've just produced an adequate amount of work for my first big folk art festival!"

(all images courtesy of Valeri Blossom)

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life.

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ps. This will be the last CREATIVE SUGAR post for a bit as I continue work on a few new creative projects. the CREATIVE SUGAR inspiration project will return in one form or another soon. 

In the meantime, I'll have new paintings to share with you next week!

pps. my hubby Brian has a FALL SPECIAL going on... receive 15% OFF website, blog and e-course design and development until Oct 31, 2012 (more than a $100 value). 

click here to contact him about the special and read testimonials here (he's lovely to work with).

CREATIVE SUGAR with Michelle Kral (Mitsib)

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Michelle Kral (Mitsib) from Sussex, England.

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

These wise words came from my Dad, "never stop being you just because someone doesn't like something you did or said." Or as he put it in his simple way of speaking....'oh! sod everyone else!

What's some not-so-great advice you've been given?

Some not so great advice was always being told things were not good enough for me. Most of my childhood consisted of things never being good enough, it rubbed off on to me and i started to think i was not good enough!

I still have issues with thinking I am not good enough.....but then what or who do i have to be good enough for? 

I have only in recent years realised this and have just concluded... i just need to be good enough for me.

What's Your Biggest Dream?

My biggest dream is just to be able to paint and share my inspirations and encourage and motivate everyone and anyone to embrace their creative side.

Favorite Memory:

My favourite memories are always associated with the beach and sea. As a child we spent long summers at the beach playing in the sand and swimming in the sea. I am lucky to live right near the beach and still all my best memories are the days I can just drive my VW van to the sea and listen to the crashing waves.....pure relaxing enjoyment. I always come away feeling renewed and fresh.

(all images courtesy of Michelle Kral)

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life.

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ps. HOW TO CREATE WHIMSICAL ANIMALS has just started and there's still time to register. if you're interested in painting animals together, find the details and register here. 

pps. there will be one more CREATIVE SUGAR story coming up next week!

CREATIVE SUGAR with Carrie Schmitt

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Carrie Schmitt (Seattle, WA). 

* Be sure to check out Carries's beautiful new website designed by my lovely husband, Brian Knapp. *

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

Keep your eye on the ball. My dad told me this over and over as a girl playing in boys’ hardball little league. I found that as long as I did this, I had great success. I think it taught me to have confidence that I can do anything if I stay focused and determined which has helped me throughout my life.

What's some not-so-great advice you've been given?

Not to major in art in college.

What's Your Biggest Dream?

To be a full-time artist, to write a children's book, to kayak more, to get rid of my heat allergy (yes, I'm allergic to heat), and to travel to beautiful places with my family.

Story:

“Walking, I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly, all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.” Linda Hogan, Native American writer. 

As a child, my favorite bedtime story was how my life came to be. My mom had several miscarriages before I was born, including a preterm baby, Joseph, who only lived for a few days. Her doctors said her uterus was shaped like a heart instead of a pear and that she would never be able to have children. 

But, eventually I was born. Her heart-shaped uterus had stretched with each baby she carried and lost, which made it possible for me to survive.

As a child, I felt like these heart-stretching souls were my guardian angels always looking out for me and telling me secrets. They whispered to make the most of my life. That I was meant to be here to make a difference—even if it is as simple as brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture. 

I feel a responsibility to not let down those who came before me and to make their lives—which are so intrinsically connected to mine—mean something. That I owe it to them and myself to live life fully and brilliantly. 

My life has always felt like a gift from those who came before me. Not just from these souls but from all my ancestors whose lives shaped mine. 

Recognizing their presence in my life makes me feel powerful and strong, which makes it easier to face adversity and follow my dreams. I like to imagine them walking beside me, cheering me on.

(all images courtesy of Carrie Schmitt)

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life.

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ps. There's a NEW inspiring story coming up for the next two weeks! But then I'll be taking a little break from CREATIVE SUGAR. The inspiration project will return in one form or another soon. 

In the meantime, I need to take extra time to paint and work on other projects I have coming up...like my latest e-book, which is full of what has and hasn't worked for me in my creative business and lots of artist and entrepreneur interviews too! I know it will be very helpful for anyone starting on their own business journey and I can't wait to share all of the details with you (very soon)! 

It's been so incredible to hear everyone's stories from around the world! Thank you to everyone for all of your kind words and for sharing so much inspiration on CREATIVE SUGAR already!

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pps. i'll be sending out my newsletter soon-ish...if you'd like to get the latest and see new artwork first, sign up here.

CREATIVE SUGAR with Heidi M Mcdonald

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Heidi M Mcdonald (Dorset. UK).

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

I was told "always be open to learning" and this has been the best advice ever.I always feel there is something to learn, in life and especially in art.If i consider and visualise a door always being open to , new paths in art - where there is always room to learn, grow and flourish it makes it all so exciting...it makes it a on going adventure 

What’s some not-so-great advice you’ve been given?

I have been told many times that in the art world there are so many people like me trying to make it with their art - it's too competitive, so much talent - "why bother." 

and the classic line, " get a more stable job. a real job"

If i don't keep trying i will never know, and just the by creating your making it.

What's Your Biggest Dream?

My long held dreams is to create and have published children's books, i am currently working on a book idea and have many more stories i hope will unfold for others to read and share. I would love also to keep doing what i am doing, painting and creating new characters and mix media illustrative paintings and grow with this.

What's Your Favorite Memory?

My Favourite memory is when I sat on a sunny day with my Grandma as she taught me to knit, - she opened up a whole world to me of creativity that seemed so exciting and magical ( its still feels that way ). I loved to hear the click clack of her of needles as she knitted up jumpers,blankets, toys. 

She is 95 now and still knits. Inspirational!

(all images courtesy of Heidi M Mcdonald)

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life. 

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pps. HOW TO CREATE WHIMSICAL ANIMALS starts next week! i'm so excited to paint with everyone!

find details and register here.

CREATIVE SUGAR with Diana Gonzalez

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Diana Gonzalez of Arte Y Poemas (Brooklyn, NY).

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I ever got was from my abuela (grandmother). She taught me what it meant to love. She told me that love is not a feeling, but an action. Because of love, we improve ourselves, we do things for our beloveds. 

It is this advice, that I carry into my life as a mother. Because I love my daughters, I choose to follow my dreams, so that they can see how far a woman can go, when she just makes up her mind.

What’s some not-so-great advice you’ve been given?

The worst advice I got was when my mother told me that what other people think is important. In my opinion, it doesn't matter what other people think or say about you. 

What matters are my actions. 

The most delusional madmen are some of the most amazing artists and writers.

What’s your Biggest Dream?

My biggest dream is to travel the world teaching people around the world my form of creativity, and to be a painter. I'd love to travel and see the world. That's been my dream since I was a little girl. When I was a little girl I wanted to travel the world and be a painter.

What’s your Favorite Memory?

This is going to sound totally corny, but my favorite memory is when I met my husband. Marriage is not always perfect, as no one is perfect; but I love that we meet in the places that matter, and that he is the most creative person I know, hands down. 

My husband and I have been together for 13 years now, and every year gets better and better.Before I met him, I didn't really have much confidence in myself as an artist, but he was the one who convinced me that I AM an artist, as I convinced HIM that he IS a writer. 

He's my soulmate, I guess.

(all images courtesy of Diana Gonzalez)

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life.

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ps. so excited for my newest online course to begin! THANK YOU to everyone who has registered... we have such a fabulous group already, and i cannot wait to paint together! 

class starts september 15 and everyone has access to the classroom until august 2013...plenty of time to paint! if you've been looking for a bit of inspiration and mixed media whimsy...find more details and register here.

CREATIVE SUGAR with Debbie Combs

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Debbie Combs (Michigan).

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

Learn forgiveness. To not let ugly people make me ugly.

What’s some not-so-great advice you’ve been given?

Go blonde :)

Story

There is no greater feeling in the world than to do a random act of kindness, expecting nothing in return, receiving nothing in return other than the feeling of giving. It is just kindness put out into the universe to make someones day nicer. Sitting in the drive-thu of my favorite Starbucks anxiously awaiting an iced Chai Tea Latte with soy (YUM), the girl at the window told me that the car ahead of me paid for my order. 

At first I immediately tried to see the car in case it was someone I knew, but they were gone. Then I wondered if it was a weirdo stalker creep and it hit me...why question it? Do the same thing for the car behind you! And I did right after I prayed the girl behind me was not on a run for 17 people in her office! 

It felt so wonderful as I drove off, and I find myself doing it when finances allow me the ability to...it is a great feeling to put that kindness out in the world.

(all images courtesy of  Debbie Combs)

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life.

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ps. if you're interested in painting whimsical animals together, find all of the details for my upcoming workshop and register here.

CREATIVE SUGAR with Cathy Syder Fontinha

I started my weekly blog series CREATIVE SUGAR  to promote positivity and provide a platform for everyone to share their unique stories, knowledge and experiences, showcasing the beauty, connection, and inspiration that exists in our every day.

This week on CREATIVE SUGAR, I'm delighted to share inspiration from Cathy Syder Fontinha (Sines, Portugal). 

photo via Cathy

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

There's always a light shining down on you, you just got to be able to see it.

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What’s some not-so-great advice you’ve been given?

Give it up!

photo by Diários de Lisboa 

Story

As a child, I inherited my big brother's first bike. I loved that bike and I was a happy camper, riding it on the patio beneath the building where we lived. That was until after one or two rounds, when I lost my balance and almost fell down some stairs that went right to the street. So, my parents added some training wheels to it. I then had a cirgury to my inner hear, so that might be one of the reasons for my unbalance.

Anyway, those wheels never came off and the bike became too small for me, so it was set aside. But in the summer, we used to spend a couple of days at my cousin's house, where they had bikes. Every afternoon there, they went riding around the block. As for me, at the third turn of the wheels I was hitting the floor. I tried and tried, but never got further than that and they had no patience to stay with me and teach me (nor was I that easy to teach). So I went on living as "the girl who couldn't ride a bike" for a long time.

A couple of years back, though, I was challenged to change my status! I was a girl scout and my team wanted to do a "riding-campment," so I got lessons and training with some of them. That activity never happened, for I didn't quite get it in time, for as much as they battled with me.

You'd think they'd give up eventually, no? Think again!!! Suddenly the whole group was preparing a major activity based on riding a bike! Within a couple of months we were to travel the route of Santiago (in Spain) from Léon to Santiago de Compostela... over 78.3 miles riding a bike in one week!

That meant I had to go back to training and insist… and so did they. It was on the first day of our travel, still in the north of Portugal, that I accomplished my goal! I did it! I somehow managed to do a couple of meters riding the bike on my own! (And I got one of the boys who was helping me around mad, for he missed it due to a last minute urgency).

After that, trainings went on and I was was able to ride the bike alone for longer periods of time. I did not do the route on the bike, for I was still too unsteady. But every time we stopped to eat and relax a bit somewhere along the way, there I was practicing! And I’m proud to say that at one point I got confident enough to do 5kms straight of the route… on a bike!

Since then I haven’t touched a bike. But now that I’m living in a small town, perfect to ride it on a daily basis, I can’t wait until I buy my own bike and start it all over again!

Find more Creative Sugar inspiration here...because everyone needs a little extra sweetness in life. 

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ps. so excited to share with you my newest online painting workshop...HOW TO CREATE WHIMSICAL ANIMALS. registration will open this week. class begins in september! 

sign up for my newsletter and be the first to know the details! .