Bust a Move

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Kathy

I have been doing a lot of reading lately about the power that our own thoughts possess. Kind of along the lines of that famous quote by Thomas Edison- “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

So often we find ourselves filled with doubts for whatever reason, whether it’s our emotions, academic capabilities, athletic capabilities, job, etc. and I think this self doubt can really exhaust us when really all we need to do is dig in full steam ahead and give things our all. This is rarely easy and requires focus, discipline and usually some really hard work and sacrifice.

Whenever you’re feeling doubtful, scared or maybe even a little down, try to squeeze something into your day that brings you pure joy. You know, something you really, really love. It could be 1/2 hour reading your favorite book before bed, going for a walk, gardening or even listening to your favorite music? I think we all need to give ourselves a little bit of joy here and there. Life is short so go for it!

Have a great weekend!!!!

Grow A Little

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Kathy

Hope you’re having a great weekend and enjoying this beautiful spring like weather! I know I am loving seeing all of the spring bulbs in bloom, fresh air and the sun shining!

With all of the budding flowers, I just felt like I had to paint a few flowers today to go with the theme of the day.

I also love the idea that no matter what age we are, whether things are great in our lives or we are going through some “not so great” times, we can all learn from our experiences and change for the better. I am not saying this is always easy, in fact it’s probably easier to not change at all. But if becoming a better person in whatever form you see fit is on your list of goals, we all have the potential for that each day. Forgive yourself for any errors that you have made along the way, (we are all only human), and start tomorrow working on those changes that you would like to make. One day at a time and little by little, great things are possible.

"Grow A Little Each Day"

Sale Event

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Kathy

I am so excited to have been invited to be a member of the Etsy Baby Team! There are so many beautiful and unique baby items to purchase for your own baby or as gifts. I just love handmade one of a kind things and this group of very talented artisans have so much to choose from.

From 3/16/12 through 3/31/12 Free Shipping from the entire group on Etsy, just enter coupon code ETSYBABYSTORK and shop to your heart’s content. You can access my shop on the upper right of this site or at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathyMayDesigns.

Thanks for visiting!

Meet the Scared Dog That Only Wanted a Hug

Link

This is the most beautiful video for anyone that is an animal lover! I have watched this story over and over and I just love it. Amazing people that took the time to truly care and save the life of one little dog with a lot of courage and lots of love. So beautiful.

Meet-the-Scared-Dog-That-Only-Wanted-a-Hug

You can also see more amazing videos at www. godvine.com

Daily Hugs

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Kathy

Young childhood is such a magical time, a time that a person will never experience again. A time in life where anything is possible and big dreams and confidence building are so important. So make sure that no matter how crazy things are, that each and every day you try to take a little time to enjoy each other.

Even if it’s only 10 minutes every day and you have a million things to do, make it a priority to stop for a second and give your kids a hug and tell them that you love them. It’s a great stress reducer and it will become a wonderful habit that will carry on for many years.

There are so many benefits for all of you. If you have time, check out this great article about all the wonderful benefits of hugs! It looks like the more, the better.

*www.authorsden.com/visit/viewArticle.asp?id=44784*

Sports

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Kathy

I am really missing my kids lately. My son is now 22 (yikes) and my daughter just turned 21 (unbelievable). It’s hard to believe that they are moving on as young adults, one almost done with college and one new grad that has begun his young career in the work force.

It seems like just yesterday when we were racing around every weekend like crazy people, stressed out and frazzled. I was always wondering how I was going to ever recover from all of the time away from home, all that had to be done before work on Monday, etc. It felt like my house was always a post bomb war zone, never organized enough, always tired and anxious. So much to do and so little time.

But you know what, after all of those years of “racing” around and sitting at endless sports events, I would go back to it in a second. I know this sounds totally cliche, but it is the truth. If I were a young mom, I would probably be rolling my eyes while I was reading this. I remember people telling me as a young mom, “Enjoy those kids!” And me thinking, “Are you crazy? I haven’t slept in 2 nights, they have been fighting non stop for the past day and my daughter just tried to flush her blanket down the toilet and God only knows what that will cost?”

But the time really does fly, even though you may be feeling in the trenches as I did. Looking back I am so glad that I was always there when I could be and that really was what mattered most. The sports or activities meant everything to my kids as they were growing up and that one of us was usually sitting there cheering them on meant even more.

It was all so important because it didn’t mean they were Olympic champions, but it most definitely helped teach them so many valuable life lessons. To be on time, do your best to your ability, be competitive, be a gracious winner and a good sport when you are not. It also taught them that we love them win or lose, that we will show up too no matter what.

So now looking back, there is still always dusting that needs to be done and I have plenty of time to clean and organize my house and even sleep in on the weekend if I choose, but my kids have just about moved on with their lives but have taken with them a whole bunch of incredible memories from all of those crazy, insane weekends.

So yes, cliche I know, but really do try to enjoy them while you have them because they really are only passing through.

Hoping you have a great racing around weekend.

Kathy

Polar Bears

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Kathy

I have been painting polar bears lately and having so much fun creating them with paints and pastes. They truly are magnificent animals! I found the video below on You Tube as I was doing some sketching and if you have a few minutes and are a lover of animals take a few minutes to watch. The pictures are beautiful!

After watching I translated the images to this:

The Beauty of Animals

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Kathy

One of the things that I have always loved and been concerned with are the incredible animals that we share this earth with. Animals that in recent years are undergoing enormous environmental changes and still struggling to endure these changes and survive as best they can. Whether the causes are “global warming”, human consumption, littering or just the earth’s changes I am growing more and more concerned that if these changes do continue they will have an irreversible effect on these beautiful creatures.

I think it is so important that we as individuals treat animals with love and dignity at all times. It breaks my heart when I see animals needlessly suffering. Let’s teach our kids to see and appreciate the beauty in these wonderful animals.

Polar Bear Mother and Cubs Print

Fly Tribe Word Hop 2012

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Kathy

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I have been blessed to be included within an exceptional group of very, very talented fellow artists that was formed last summer as a result of us all being enrolled in an online course offered by the extremely talented, Kelly Rae Roberts called “Summer 2011 Flying Lessons”.

I must admit I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I signed up for this course. I only knew that I had a lot to learn if I was ever going to make this dream a reality. The course began early Summer 2011 and since then nothing has felt the same.

As the new year begins, my wonderful group of very talented fellow artists, which we call the Fly Girls, decided that it only seemed natural as we venture through this journey as artists and entrepeneurs that we each select a single word that will best represent our goals and intentions for the coming year 2012. This word will serve as a constant reminder of what we set out to accomplish next year.

With so many words to choose from it was a difficult decision for me to choose just one word, but I have chosen the word “perseverance”. For me as an artist developing my own business has been really challenging on so many different levels that I know this is something that I really need to constantly work on in order to reach the goals that I have set for myself. No excuses, not exhaustion, rejection or putting other tasks before my art work this year. I plan to keep working harder and longer and doing whatever it takes.

Just click on the image below to visit my fellow “Fly Girls” blogs they have each written about their Word for 2012, I know you will be left feeling extremely motivated and inspired by these amazing gals! Plus you might just great some great ideas for your own goals in this coming year!