Thank you everyone for all your love and support

 ♥

XOXOX

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥ Hugs and kisses ♥ 

Not all the test results are in yet, I should know more in about10 days... 

The results I did receive revealed that I quit breathing about 50 times an hour... 

from 1 to 3 minutes...the most likely causing of my morning migraines...

Their still not sure what is causing the evening migraines.

Who would of known...that migraines are caused from a lack of oxygen?

They said that morning migraines are the leading symptom of sleep apnea, 

second is chronic fatigue, and Fibromyalgia...hummmm. 

What they don't know is what causes sleep apena. 

They also said most people don't even know they have it...

So that's all I know so far...But it's a start.

I came home with a lovely new addition, my pink new friend...lol..

She's so quite, you can hardly tell she's here, but she keeps me breathing.

She even has a computer and can tell how many times I quit breathing throughout the night;

How long I sleep and how long in between sleeps...

She can also tell if I'm being a good compliant little girl...lol

She can even send an alarm to the company and let them know if I've stopped breathing 

resulting in a phone call to wake my behind up.... 

So I guess I'd have to say she pretty important in my life.

I am soooo grateful to have some answers to at least one of my medical conditions.

For any of you who experience more then 1 migraine a week please let your doctor know,

and ask them if you could be experiencing sleep apnea.

what I didn't realize is how serious quitting breathing really is, 

and that it could effect virtually anyone, at any weight, at any age.

Every night my brain was deprived of oxygen, 

I was just lucky enough to start breathing again on my own, that's not always true for some.

The studies show that sleep apena is the cause of  many deaths...

I'm not fond of my new pink additon, and I'm sure it's going to take some getting use to, 

but if it means I might start feeling even a little bit better, I'm sure going to give it a try.

Thank you all sooo much for your love and support, 

all your phone calls, emails and well wishes.

You all mean the world to me,

I'm so blessed to have you in my life, 

I'm so blessed to have such an amazing team of medical staff 

who are bound and determined to get me well

Peace, Love and Blessings to all of you!

♥ Hugs and kisses ♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

XOXOX

 ♥

Off to the Hospital for dreaded tests

Hi everyone... 

I am off to the hospital for the next several days so I won't be able to post for a few days, 

I'm hoping to find answers to all my migraines. 

Thank you everyone who has called or emailed and expressed your heartfelt love and compassion,

you all mean the world to me.....

 Above are a couple pieces I put together

Enjoy!

Love and hugs

XOXOXOX

I will be back soon!!!!!

The Winner of One World One Heart is..... Me♥

 Joyride and the Muse

 Joyride and the Muse

Yesterday after returning home from two difficult days of medical testing in Seattle, I was greeted by this  spectacular surprise. A beautiful lace covered box held the gem of the Joyride and the Muse. I was the winner of Lisa Swifka One World One Heart drawing over at A Whimsical Bohemian Artist's Blog 

My gift was the Joyride and the Muse which Lisa hand made, you can read about her here: She is just as beautiful in person as she is in the pictures. I can't tell you how excited and grateful I was to learn that I had won her. She has found her new home next to my other beloved and cherished belongings that provide me my daily source of inspirations....  

Help me thank Lisa by visiting her blog... 

She has recently announced that One World One Heart is being retired this year, 

and the launch of 

Our World Our Art a BRAND NEW EVENT will begin in 2012.

For more information.... See  Our World Our Art

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU Lisa for your wonderful gift.

She will forever be cherished and loved!

{{{{{Love & Hugs}}}}

♥Everyone♥

Magical Mythical Makings WS Week 4 Final Mermaid

Here is my final project for week 4...highlights and all.

Enjoy!

On to week 5 

Fairies & Unicorns

Stay tuned for my next creations where we learn all about:

Mythical Being: Fairies & Unicorns
By Master: Brian Froud
Themes: Fun, play, being in the now
Surface: Canvas fabric & paper wall hanging

Random Act's of Kindness By Way of .......................Love Love Love & More Love....

These past few weeks have been an energy charged emotional roller coaster filled with  bursts of love, compassion and heartfelt appreciation....  all generated by a simple gift of a Valentine...... I just wanted to share the powerful gift of love I've experienced these past few weeks since Valentine’s Day.  I also want to share my random acts of love, appreciation and kindness with my faithful readers.

As I wrote last month, Valentine's has always been very special to me. I love giving them out just as much as I love receiving them. It’s my way of letting those around me known that I love and appreciate them.  I do it for them just as much as I do it for myself. It makes me feel good knowing I put a smile in someone’s heart. That's what makes my world sing.

My cards were a huge hit this year... everyone loved them. Most said it was the first card they have received in years. Some even went as far to say it was the only card or Valentine wishes they had ever received.... This broke my heart and made me start thinking of way I could spread my love all year long.  I decided that I was going to do random acts of kindness throughout the year, making everyday special. 

I went through all my boxes of greeting cards, post cards and stationary that I've been collecting for that special moment for years... I picked out my favorites, grabbed a hot cup of chi tea, curled up in my blankets and started writing out little notes of love and friendship. Making each card unique, I addressed them: To My Friend...I wrote out as many as I could before exhausting myself as I was still not feeling well. Noticing that once I was finished I felt so much better knowing that each little note card was filled with love, compassion and my heartfelt blessings; Knowing that I would be sending love into the world to those who might not have any, or could use a little extra that particular day,....Expressing my love, appreciation, and friendship to friends I've yet to meet. I put several in my art bag, my purse, my car, and my backpack that I sometimes carry with me. I wanted to be sure that I always have some with me to hand out randomly at all times, when people least expect it, hoping to make their day as others have made my day when I've received an unexpected cards in the mail.

A couple weeks ago, after spending the week giving out Valentine's to everyone I came into contact with... I received a couple different invitations to groups of artist's on line who also wanted to send out Random Acts of Kindness...Carol at A Little Goddess In All  and Effy at  Wild Precious  had invited me to join their group of creative souls to join in on one of their RAK.... Serendipitous? I don't think so.... I believe that when we send love out into our troubled world... it generates more love and brings love right back into your life... I believe this group of ladies came into my life just when I need them.... Just like I may be coming into your life when you need me...

I believe that we are all connected by our energy... As a practitioner of The Artist's Way... the one thing we learned is that the universe is always working with us.... So when our thoughts are generating love, kindness, gratitude, generosity, and appreciation.... it will come back to you tenfold... you attract that which you project... So if you project love... love will come back to you.

If you don't believe me....walk into a room smiling...laughing...with flowers, or singing... and see how the energy of the room changes... Then just to prove my point...walk into a room and be grumpy, frowning, sad, or crying.... and feel the energy of the room follow suit. Just try it... see for yourself if you haven't experienced it... or maybe you just haven't noticed....our world is a changing place... it is in need of love, kindness, compassion, and encouragement. How will you help change our world and make it a better place to live? How will you bring love into your life?

I would love to hear about your "Random Acts of Kindness" "Pay-it-forwards" or "Loving gestures" towards others. For the next year on the last day of every month I will pick and feature one story left in my comments section that moves my heart. If your story is picked and featured, you will receive a signed original Altered Post Card Art such as the ones I've posted above and below. This will be my gift to you....  In order to enter for your opportunity to receive one of my cards... you must post your Random Act of Kindness in my comment area. I hope that I've inspired you to love and be loved. 

Love, hugs & peace to all of you... 

Each of you are special, each of you mean the world to me...

Thank you for visiting my blog, 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts,

Thank you for being in my life!

XOXOXOX

Each card is watercolor painted on one side and collage on the other, 
each is unique and an original by me. 
Enjoy

Magical Mythical Makings Workshop Week 4 Continued

Wow... I am having so much fun in my 3M workshop, I’m in complete ahhhh to be painting amongst such talented artists… Tam at Willowing and friends is an Amazing teacher.  If you want to see some incredible artists or Mermaids... check out

 Willowing and Friends 

I thought I'd post my work in progress to keep you up to date.  Next week is a busy week with lots of medical tests, so I might not get to much painting in ... I'm still having a little trouble with the face area...I want that sweet serene look... the "ohhh I'm so at peace and in my element" look. I also need to do some needed outlining and highlighting... maybe add a couple more fish and whimsical elements like swirls, sea weed or sea flowers...lol. I also need to add another layer of acrylics as some of my watercolor paints and colors have faded into the wood. In some areas it gives it a nice rich contrast and adds to the elements of the painting, but in other areas, the paint blends into the wood and get's lost in the process. I am enjoying the experience of painting on wood verses a canvas or sheet of watercolor paper, I seem to have more control and I'm able to manipulate the paints better...it seems more forgiving which is great for an artist in training. 

I would recommend you give it a whirl, you might like it

I was debating if I was going to keep her arms in the painting or not...as I didn't think they looked quite right...but after much debate, I actually like them...so they're staying. My hubby isn't fond of my dressing  up my Mermaids bosoms...lol...as in my original drawing she was naked on top,  but they were so out there in your face, I thought I'd tone them down a bit compared to my original drawing... 

Maybe next time I'll showcase them a little more.

The smaller disk was a practice piece... I wanted to see how the paints would work with the wood...once I started, I couldn't just let it go undone...lol...besides I was having way too much fun, plus... It had this freedom about it...as it was just a practice piece, it didn't matter what I did to it or if there were mistakes... It turned out quite nice, I actually really like it.

My style seems consistent with my journal pages, but it still needs some tweaks and adjusting as I'm learning what I like and what I don't.... but I am getting there and finding my own rhythm.... I do have to keep telling myself...Picasso didn't learn to paint a masterpiece or walk over night.... practice, practice, practice... is the key to my success...

What a fun journey this is. 

I love everything about painting... It helps me to relax and get lost and be one with my paints and art piece.

Love, hugs & many blessings to everyone!!!!! 

~Enjoy~

♫¸.·♫•*¨*•. ¸¸(¯`♥´¯).•*¨*•♫.•*¨*•♫¸.•*¨*•♫.·♫•*¨*•. ¸¸(¯`♥´¯).•*¨*•♫.•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.  .•*¨*•♫`·.¸.·•*¨*•.♫.•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.♫.•*¨*•..•*¨*•.♫`·.¸.·♫•*¨*•. .•*¨*•♫

♫¸.·♫•*¨*•. ¸¸(¯`♥´¯).•*¨*•♫.•*¨*•♫¸.•*¨*•♫.·♫•*¨*•. ¸¸(¯`♥´¯).•*¨*•♫.•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.  .•*¨*•♫`·.¸.·•*¨*•.♫.•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.♫.•*¨*•..•*¨*•.♫`·.¸.·♫•*¨*•. .•*¨*•♫

Week 4 of Magical Mystical Makings "Mermaids"

Mythical Being: Mermaids
Master: Marc Chagall
Themes: Transformation, change & growth

Hello everyone, here are my journal pages for this week’s challenge.  I had a slow start this week as I had my chemo therapy on Tuesday and have felt pretty crummy since. My intentions are always good.... I'd love to blog every day, but somehow my energy level doesn't always cooperate nor does my health or migraines.

 This week in my 3M workshop we started our Mermaid on wood project. 

I have to say, I wasn't too excited about utilizing Marc Chagall's style, 

I never even heard of him before receiving our class material, 

or at least I didn't think I had.  

But once I emerged myself in his art I found I kind of liked it... 

I loved that my interpretations didn't have to be perfect... 

which is a difficult task for me as I am such a perfectionist and always want my lines to be clean...

at least when it comes to my paintings. 

This exercise brought me out of my comfort zone 

but I will say, I actually had a lot of fun. 

I was able to completely lose myself in the process.

Almost afraid to post my work for fear of what others would think,

My inner critic wasn't being so nice. 

I finally got up the courage to post my work. 

I'm so glad I did, 

After I received so many wonderful comments from my fellow classmates, 

It was so heartwarming....

I can't tell you how much it meant to hear their words of love and encouragement....

It was truly a humbling experience.

I am my own worst critic.

soooooo 

Today.... I allowed myself to feel good about what I've done... 

Today, I embrace the fact that I love to paint...

Today, 

I learned to believe in myself… to believe in my abilities

And

To believe in my artistic interpretation and creations.

Today I learned to love....

Me

 Thank you everyone for being on this journey with me... 

Thank you all for sharing a part of your life with me… 

We are all creative and artistic in our own way. 

Making our world a better place through the eyes of art brings so much joy to everyone.

I hope my creative endeavors bring love, joy, and beauty into your life.

Love, Hugs and Blessing to everyone.

♫¸.·♫•*¨*•. ¸¸(¯`♥´¯).•*¨*•♫.•*¨*•♫¸.•*¨*•♫.·♫•*¨*•. ¸¸(¯`♥´¯).•*¨*•♫.•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.  .•*¨*•♫`·.¸.·•*¨*•.♫.•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.♫.•*¨*•..•*¨*•.♫`·.¸.·♫•*¨*•. .•*¨*•♫

This is my work in progress.... Next I need to apply my magical touch
paint...college....pen....love....patients....more love....lol.... 
Stay tuned for my completed masterpiece...lol.. 
Love and Hugs!!!!

Wahooo!!!! Art Journal LOVE Day Party!!!

You have until this Friday, February 18th to enter!

Connie will be closing the give-away at 10pm MST on Friday.

She will be announcing the winners late Sunday!

So hurry and enter for your chance to win some awesome prizes.

Good Luck Everyone!!!

http://www.DirtyFootprints-Studio.com

http://networkedblogs.com/etOzH

Happy Valentine's Day

Every year on Valentines Day 

I try and do something special for others, 

I try to give love to someone who might not otherwise be told they are loved.

Today, 

I handed out Valentines to people I didn't know, 

I mailed them to six people I met on-line around the world, 

I gave them to homeless kids out on the streets in Port Townsend,  

and to elders I've met around my community. 

Tomorrow,  

As I sit in the hospital all day receiving my chemo therapy, 

I'll be handing out Valentines to everyone who comes in to get their treatment;

Hoping to make their day a little bit better,

or to put a smile on their face,

maybe fill their heart with love.

 Today 

I opened my eyes to the love all around me....

I didn't expect or receive cards, 

flowers 

candies 

or other luxuries, 

but what I did receive 

was a heartfelt appreciation, 

compassion, 

hugs, 

and love

from those who's heart I touched.

 I hope I've touched your heart, 

I hope your Valentine's Day has been filled with love.  

Mine has.... 

Love and hugs to you my creative friend!

Week 3 of Magical Mythical Makings "Angels"

ANGELS

Hello everyone, Love and hugs out to all of you {{{xoxo}}}.  My goals this week were to stay on top of my workshop assignments... doing this weeks assignment first and then going back to finish what needs to be done on last weeks when I have extra time. That was going to be my way of staying on task so not to get so over whelmed by being constantly behind and in catch-up mode (not a very creative state of mind, I might add). These past few weeks my intentions and desires have not been my issue, although a white canvas was a little intimidating, but once I got started, it was not what was holding me back…my health was. It wasn’t cooperating with my wants, needs and desires.

"Everyday is going to be different." I kept telling myself each and every morning. I'd wake up with the mindset that today is going to be the day where I feel great and I accomplish everything I set out to do….As always life sets in, and my plans for staying on top of things quickly got hijacked by life forces stronger than my own...another migraine set in and forced me back to bed, that makes 24 days of migraines out of 31 days. As I laid there trying to will my migraine away, trying to create the life I want by meditating on every little detail... I found that what I needed to do was to let go.... I needed to just let everything in my mind stop fighting the pain and see where it wanted to lead me instead of wishing I was someplace else and someone else...I was trying to control every aspect in my life when in reality I have no control at all over anything...

Once I was able to see that, be one with it, and accept the things I cannot change...the migraine seemed to lessen. Now it could be the magnitude of meds, shots and more meds that I took to rid my month long continuous life stopper, pain-in-my a******* or in my case head and a**…lol.... but regardless... it finally started to let up and I was able to at least sit up in bed. I quickly surrounded myself with my journal, crayons, watercolor pencils, and laptop. Listening to Tam’s soothing angelic voice talk me thought my exercise, making me laugh and want to talk back to her when she'd question herself; I found comfort, love and the ability to get lost in my art, forgetting about the pain that consumed my body.    

Drawing my Angels brought about clarity and a sense of comfort and oneness. I felt surrounded by love! For some reason, I found this to be extremely funny because last week my Goddess choice was Katasee... Goddess of all that is, of all things, well-being, and unconditional love and healing.... While creating my journal pages, I came to the conclusion that these were all the things I wanted and needed in myself, my body, my life... right here, right now at that very moment. Realizing I had it…all of it right before my eyes;  I just need to be present enough to see it, feel it, and enjoy it. Peace washed over me; my migraine was no longer sitting in my face no longer the elephant in the room, no longer controlling my every thought, no longer consuming my essence. I was surrounding by a glow of love, art, compassion and healing!

So here you have the start of my Angels. I still need to finish her wings and dress but at least I’ve started. I decided to do the assignment just as Tam was teaching, and then when I put my work on my watercolor canvas I'll make my Angels my own. I've also included the progress on week 2's Goddess painting, I still need to apply the college aspect of the Klimt's style to her gown and halo, but one step at a time.  

Several months ago I was told to paint by a dear friend who recently passed, it was as thought he had an insight into my healing, he was very insistent that I give it a try again. At the time, I remember thinking he was crazy, I hadn't picked up a brush in years, I couldn't see what he did.  Now.... the more I paint, the more I feel his presence and the more I understand. I am so grateful he nudged me back into painting.   Every time I pick up my brush I feel so blessed and thankful. 

ENJOY!

Katasee Goddess 1-23-2011

Katasee Goddess 1-23-2011 2
Originally uploaded by Chel Marie's Creative Corner

As I announced earlier Tam over at Willowing.ning was offering her new workshop called Magical Mythical Makings. I was given the gift of this online workshop by a dear friend who I met at the Art, Heart and Healing workshop a few months ago. It is because of her I was able to participate in this workshop. I am forever grateful for my dear friend and artist soul sister Yolanda... Thank you for your friendship, Thank you for your love and understanding, and Thank you for your truly wonderful gift. I will cherish it and you forever!

So here is my first Journal entry for the online workshop at Willowing & Artist's Friends. As usual I'm behind the rest of the class as I'm constantly dealing with debilitating migraines and my illness. But through perseverance, my love of art and journaling I just keep plugging away. Art brings so much joy to my life, creating such beauty even if it's only in the eyes of the beholder, it truly brings so much love, peace and happiness to my heart. Making a dark day seem much brighter.

Art has been very healing for me, if you need some love or a boost in your sometimes hard emotional day... please, I encourage you to give it a try. Tam has the Art, Heart and Healing workshop up and running for anyone who wants to join in and it's completely free. It's her way of paying-it-forward for all the love and joy in her life.

It has been a way for me to connect to others even when getting out isn't an option. I have met so many wonderful, creative souls in the past several months and made lasting on line friendships all over the world. Tam has created such a fun and loving environment for anyone interested in multi-mixed media artistic adventures... Come and join in on the fun, I'm sure it will brighten your day and heart, and who knows maybe you'll find your long lost passion.