Do you ever wonder why we are the way that we are?

Do you every wonder why we are the way that we are?  Is there a predetermined state of mind that we are to be a part of, or do our past build the foundation for who we are to become?

This is a photo of the street that I grew up on.  I think that our pasts and the experiences that come with it defiantly have an effect on who we are.  I see the people and places that influenced me in my childhood coming out of me each and everyday.

(This photo is now available in my shop along with other photos that I have recently taken of things that remind me of where I came from.)

Today

Today I hear the sounds of hammers beating on the house that is erecting next door.  I hear the sound of a little girl playing house with her barbies, while she is supposed to be taking a nap.  I feel the warm sun that is streaming down over me through opened windows.  Today I taste the sweet taste of freshly brewed green tea.  I see a room full of mosaic mirrors that are in need of grout and smell the fresh paint that was sprayed on new frames the day before.  Today is a wonderfully simple day.

Grandma's First Bowling Trip!

It is not everyday that a Granddaughter get to experience a first with her Grandmother.  My mom and I took my Grandma on her first bowling adventure!  It was so much fun and she was pretty good.

Birthday Girl: The necklace she is wearing was my present to her...

it is one of my favorites that I have made lately.

Silly Mom!

"Bowling" (can now be found in my shop )

Jessica's Tips for a Successful Day for Someone Who Works From Home:

Mary Jane's tips for a simple life made me start thinking about what advice I could give to others.

I have had my share of really productive days, but I also have had my share of days where I felt like I just couldn't get anything done.  I think that just comes with the territory.  When you work from home you tend to want to spend your days as if you were just staying at home for the day (those of you who work from home know what I mean).  This can hinder your productivity during the day.  Here are my tips for someone who is going to work from home:

1. Wake Up, Take a Shower, Get Dressed.  You need to start your morning off as if you were going to venture out into the world to a job somewhere.  After-all, you are going to work.  This just helps your brain to wake up and take the hint.

2. Drink a cup of coffee.  I know, I know, there are some of you out there that are saying, "I HATE COFFEE!"  Well, what I mean by this is simply just sit down with your thoughts over something that is going to pick you up and make you feel like you can conquer the day.  For me, that is my coffee.

3.  This brings me to my next tip.  Make a list!  I can not stress how important this step is.  If you don't have a plan, what are you working towards?  I like to start this step over my morning cup of coffee and add to it during the day.  You don't have to follow the list completely, but taking the time to think about what you want to get accomplished during the day will help you to get your thoughts organized.

4.  Streeeetch.  Periodically throughout the day, I like to give my body a good ol' stretch.  This not only helps me to feel more energized and alert, but it helps me to refocus on the task that I am trying to accomplish.

Whether you are staying at home with your kids or running a large business at home (or both), I think you will find these tips to be a big help in your journey to conquer the day.  I know I feel lost without them :)

I just have to brag...

 ...I have the most adorable niece.  She gets even more beautiful every time I see her :)

Adam and Tovi... two goofballs.

Mary Jane's Seven Wonders

Here are Mary Jane's tips for a simple life:

1. Take a walk outdoors.
2. Create a collage.
3. Find a few minutes for free writing.
4. Dance. Really!
5. Meditate.
6. Create a meal, slowly.
7. Practice praise.

** These tips came out of a magazine that I just received my first issue to called Mary Jane's Farm.  I have to tell you I agree with her and I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE.  If you have an inner farm girl just waiting to get out (no matter where you live), you need to get a copy :)

Good Days vs. Bad Days

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel as though I have been having more bad days than good days.  I don't know if it is all the changes that have happened in my life lately, the economy, or what, but I know that I have to turn it all around.  For those of you who don't know, I went to school to be an artist.  I love clay, but I also love other art forms as well.  Since graduating, I feel like I am stuck.  Artwork is not selling like it once was, but I am not going to loose hope.  I am continuing to make something everyday, even if it is just something for my family.

I have been inspired by others lately.  I love how SouleMama manages to live a creative life, while still living just one day at a time with her children.  I think we all should down size and make our lives a little simpler.  You know what everyone says, "You should enjoy the small things in life".  Well, I am tired of just thinking about that, I am going to start enjoying the small things from here on out.  I am at an advantage.  I am already able to work from home and spend my time basically how I please.  I will be sharing my journey with you through this blog.  I will blog about my family and my work, but I will also be sharing the "everyday" moments with you.

Go out an be inspired... tomorrow IS a brand new day!

New to the Shop!

I have been working hard to put all or my artwork in one place.  I recently started making my photography available for purchase.

Hint: You can get photos to frame and match your tiles panels ;)

Back at It!

Listing new items, cleaning out the studio, organizing... New Year, new chance to get it right.

I have also been watching video's on Etsy's blog to get inspired.  I love this loft/ workspace!