Dreaming Big and Small

Hello dear ones... I have officially finished my shows for this season.  (Whew!)  I am amazed that I made it through with little to no real problems.  I am astonished that I actually own a business selling my own creations now.  I am so proud of myself for finally taking one of my BIG dreams and making it come true this year.  Most of all I am deeply blessed and honored to have met so many incredible women through this process, and let your stories touch my heart and inspire more of my art, and let my art create a sacred space in your lives.  What an incredible ride it has been!  It was just 8 months ago, that I decided to start painting again, (after a 6 year hiatus) and thought I'd try to do 1 art show.  Now I have completed over 50 original artworks, finished 4 successful shows, and am excited to continue down this road for years to come and see where it takes me.  I COULD NOT have done this without the loads of encouragement I received from you my dear readers, the support and financial backing from my incredible family, and the hundreds of free labor hours from my incredible sister.  For most of my life, I felt like all I did was come up with new dreams, but never do anything about them.  I felt like a failure, like I wasnt good enough to do these big things, but now I know better.  I am more than enough!!  And now, I can only feel nothing but excitement and curious wonder for where I will find myself one year from now.   

So I thought I would share with you my list of 10 dreams (big and small) that I have been holding on to and am ready to let free for this coming year (2011). 

1.  Graduate with my Masters in Counseling and Education Specialist in Marriage and Family Counseling (I am almost there!!)

2.  Get published in one of the major crafting/mixed media magazines

3.  Get preggo with my second child (Izzy needs a sibling and I am ready to hold another newborn)

4.  Do at least 1 art show each season

5.  Visit Asheville, NC (my husband and I want to leave FL in the next 3 years, and this town is top on our list to check out)
6.  Get 1 of my items from my Etsy shop listed on the Front Page of Etsy 

7.  Visit - in person - 1 artsy friend that I met on the internet

8.  Attend 1 Art Retreat

9.  Teach a Mixed Media or Art Journaling Class

10.  Take at least 1 art class to help push my abilities further. (i am tired of it taking me way too long to get a painted figure to feel right to me) 

11.  Hit 200 sales in my Etsy Shop

12.  Start working on an inspirational art book concept

(all pics are my own digital artwork creations)

So what dreams have you been holding on to?  Are you ready to let them free and take the leap of faith in yourself this year?

*Just as an FYI: I am listing all the items I have left from the art shows, lots of beautiful journals, necklaces, prints, paintings, wall hangings, and more.  If you are still seeking a gift for that creative girl on your list, please take a peek at my shop.