CreativeSteph13: Painting

Showing posts with label Painting. Show all posts

Dirt & Beauty & Rain

I lost my mom a few months ago after a long battle with Alzheimer's. I only got glimpses of her during the last few years, but her optimism and positive spirit continued to reveal itself until the very end. She liked to encourage everyone she met and you couldn't help but feel better after you spoke with her.

Losing her left a space in my heart that no one else can fill. She was my biggest cheerleader—always believing in me, even when I couldn’t see my own potential. Her words of encouragement echo in my mind during the toughest days, reminding me to keep going, to trust myself, and to be kind. She had this way of making me feel like I could do anything, and even now, I find strength in her unwavering faith in me.

She always loved that I created my art to help encourage others. And though it's been very tough these past months, I know she's up in heaven now, completely cured and spreading joy to everyone she meets.

I finally felt inspired again and have been in the studio painting like crazy. I miss her deeply, but I carry her love and support with me always. Thanks mom for continuing to encourage me.

You are Capable!

Recently my sweet cousin sent me a quote that encouraged me
during a stressful time in my life.

When you're focused on a tough situation, it's too easy to forget that
you are more than capable. You got this!

It made such a difference and inspired me to create my latest piece.

Remember... You are Capable of Amazing Things!

It's Not the End

We tend to look at life from a very narrow perspective - seeing only what's right in front of us.

Wondering if a problem will ever end.

Will I get through this?

Pain. Grief. Sadness. Loss. Stress.

Not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It helps to remember that problems are temporary and that everything will ultimately work out.

But often it's not the timing we hope for.

Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it is not the end.

It's not the end. You got this.

Having the Strength to Let Go

I have a friend who's been struggling the last several years - caught up in the past and having a hard time overcoming all the negative voices and tapes in her head. Feeling she needs to hold onto things, but knowing it's not the healthiest.

It's been wonderful to see her start to break free from the past - I knew she had
taken some very large steps towards freedom and happiness
when she shared this quote with me....

Strength to Let Go

Give yourself permission to Let Go.

Confessions of a "former" Control Freak

As a former (now just once in a while) control freak I was always focused
on making sure everything went well.

Work, People, Whatever.

Have you ever thought this way?
If I was organized enough, read enough peoples minds,
worked harder, worked longer, anticipated every possibility,
then I was sure I could change things or people and make things turn out right.

It was exhausting.

And ultimately unsuccessful.

You can't change circumstances. You can't change people. You can't change behavior.

We can only change ourselves.

So focus on you, on how you will feel, on how you will react, on what you'll decide.
And let go of what you can't control.

Freedom Awaits!

Love, Steph

Prints and more available in my Etsy Shop

Our Hardest Climbs Can Lead to Our Best Views

per·se·ver·ance

/ˌpərsəˈvirəns/

persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success

determination, endurance, stamina, tenacity

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.
Walter Elliot

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.
Samuel Johnson

Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to,
but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.
Gillian Anderson

You Can Do It!!!

Rising from Your Ashes

Sometimes it seems like our world in on fire, at least for those of us on the West Coast right now. Watching and hearing about reports of devastating fires ripping through towns and communities, driving people from their homes and then having them return only to find ashes.

Yet, during this time, I've personally seen my little town and others like it, step up to help their neighbors, to help their animals, to help provide shelter and care and compassion.

And then you view in awe the unending dedication of those fighting to overcome the fires.

Rising from the Ashes - it's something we all do.
Hopefully only once in our lives, but too often the number is several.
Digging out of the weight of personal, emotional or physical destruction.

But once we do, we discover just how strong, brave and determined we can be.

Rising

Sending prayers and strength to anyone trying to rise from their ashes.

Blessings From Above - New Art + a little instant gratification

After I wrote about the sweet surprise my dad had for my mom here, I wanted to capture that special feeling and put it on canvas. Something that would remind me of the deeper and long lasting love of family and encourage me to be the type of person who thinks of others and tries to be a blessing in their lives.

(Even if you have to be a little sneaky - thanks dad!)

So I created this canvas called Blessings from Above. I love looking at it everyday!

(I'm trying something new and have added an Instant Digital Download section to my Etsy Shop - that way you can buy art online and download art straight to your computer and print it out yourself - instant gratification - online art - no waiting! )