Color Challenge: Lavender & Green

The Color Challenge this month is all about lavender and green.

Two colors that automatically make me think of flowers; crocus, violets, and tulips and this makes me want Spring even more.

I combined the color challenge along with an inspiration deck swap that I am participating in, read more about it here on my post last week.

Louise asked us to combine texture in this month's project so I literally took a leaf from one of my house plants, painted it and stamped my cards.

On the back I added my blog address and one of my favorite photos.

Hop over to Louise Gale's blog to see what the other artists created this month with lavender and green.

Also, feel free to hop over to WOYWW at stamping ground and stalk a few desks.

 

Shared Messages from the Universe

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere. I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us
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These 3 little words made me grin when I walked past them the other day. You see, I like to plan, I like to know where I am going, what I am going to do...except when I am creating.

Don't get me wrong, I may still have a destination in mind or a plan of what I am creating but I do not step by step plan out what I am making.

So, to make a plan for my creative business seems a little overwhelming. To think about what I want to sell, why I want to have a creative business, to whom I am going to sell and how I am going to make it all happen seems, honestly, well...overwhelming is an understatement. And, to try and do it all while I still have a more than full time day job - I just might be downright crazy.

But, that is what I am doing. Making a plan, figuring out the logistics...reviewing photos to see what I should offer as prints. What else besides prints can I make with my photos? If I was to offer an e-course (photography) what would it look like, what would the content be, how would I run...would anyone really take it?

Well, I am happy to say that I am making a plan. It may take me a few months to make the plan, to outline, write it out, figure out the logistics, figure out packaging, shipping, where to print.. And, yes, it is overwhelming.

But, I am also so excited. So, if you have something that really want to do...something that your heart and soul is being called to do...make a plan. Make it happen! The world deserves to share in your art and creativity!

Have you noticed any messages from the universe?

Share your message by joining my flickr group by the same name: Shared Messages from the Universeand post or link your photos. Share those written messages that you walk by most of the time. Those message that all of sudden you notice, you read, you react and they move you forward.

I'd love to see the messages that have inspired you!

 

Sunday Color Snippets

Superman and I spent a day last weekend at Chelsea Market.

There were tons of people and because I didn't bring a tripod to do a long shutter exposure of the people passing by - I improvised. I chose to slowly walk through the crowd and snap a picture once in a while.

The out of focus movement totally captures how I felt in the crowd.

As we walked around, I took pictures of things that made me smile. The little love bug chocolates, the crab claws, and the bread (if I sit quietly and look at the bread picture I can almost smell it, again).

I love the repeated pattern of color that each individual picture has (the bread itself, the red lady bug, and the black tips of the claws).

Can you find color in your every day?

 

In The Picture and My Little Bliss List

 Today I'm participating in this month's in the picture theme which is "write on" and it inspired to step out of my comfort zone with the photo above.  I see so much intention in my eyes. 

I encourage you to click on the button below to learn more about the self portrait journey @ the urban muser blog and to stalk a few other pages and share in everyone's "write on" photos...

 Every Friday, Liv Lane hosts the Little Bliss List link party...it is about listing the little things that have touched our hearts and made us feel joy, peace, warmth, love and/or a little bliss during the past week. So, I'm jumping on the bliss band wagon.

My Little Bliss List this week...

1. I am having so much fun reading blogs on my way to work in the morning (I've chosen to take the bus so I can access the internet) - awakening my soul as I head off to my crazy day job brings me a little bliss every day. 

2. This photo was taken while enjoying a walk on the Highline in NYC with Superman. He's such a wonderful man! That's him in the photo. He never fails to indulge my twitchy shutter finger and happily tags along while I take pictures. 

3. I created one side of my inspiration deck for the swap and had such fun painting and creating - you see more here on a previous post. 

Click the button below and visit the link party to stalk a few other blogs. Get inspired by reading their blogs and remembering what brought you bliss and touched your heart this past week.

As always, thanks for being a part of my creative journey.  - Lori

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday

I am hopping on to the WOYWW blog hop today. It has been awhile since I have shared my messy creative space. And, no, this past weekend my bed turned into my desk. My desk is rather small due to my small apartment so when I need to spread out I use my bed - not ideal but it works.

Earlier this month, I decided to participate in an inspiration card deck swap being hosted by Jessica at In Search of Dessert and inspired by Christine Mason Miller.

So, this past weekend I embraced gesso, texture, decided to combine my monthly color challenge by Louise Gale along with this project - honestly, I only have so many hours when I am awake and not at my day job so sometimes I need to get creative and combine my activities.

I chose to imprint a leaf and add purple marks to the cards.

I have been able to finish one side of a few cards by adding inspirational words. Check back later this month to see more of the finished project.

Thanks for visiting my Workdesk this week now hop on over to Julia's hop at Stamping Ground so that you can stalk a few other creative desks and see what they have been up to.

Enjoy!

 

 

Shared Messages from the Universe

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere. I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us.
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This always makes me smile.


Imagination changes everything...for me this is true deep within my soul.


According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
Imagination:

1. the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality
2. creative ability
3. a creation of the mind

We all have an imagination. I believe that it is one of our greatest superpowers as humans.


Unfortunately, I also believe that most people don't ever make the things that they have created with their imagination a reality. And that, my friends, is sad.


I'll admit that I dabble in most things creative and honestly will try anything once, whether the results are good or not; if it is art related I have or will attempt it. I find so much pleasure in stretching my imagination.


This reminds me...the next time that you are getting rid of something: yes that old dresser, those old books, the cards that you received during the holidays, those old license plates, egg cartons, that old roll of wallpaper, leftover paint, old 35mm slides, old film, etc... Use your imagination! What could you create with them?


And, please if you don't have the time or the desire, please seek out and give the items to someone that would make something else out of them. Before you add them to a landfill by throwing them away, do me a favor and:

1. ask an artist if they could use the items,
2. give them to an art teacher at your local school,
3. a scout group,
4. a church youth group,
5. a nonprofit...

Even better, deliver the items and offer to volunteer your time to help play, create and use your imagination with whomever you share the items with - you will forever be changed. Trust me, it will be amazing to see how many different things get created out of the same objects...all because of imagination.


Imagination changes everything...how will you use yours today?


Have you noticed any messages from the universe?


Share your message by joining my flickr group by the same name: Shared Messages from the Universe and post or link your photos. Share those written messages that you walk by most of the time. Those message that all of sudden you notice, you read, you react and they move you forward.


I'd love to see the messages that have inspired you!

Sunday Color Snippets

Last weekend I spent a couple of hours with new friends surrounded by inspiration, art, texture and beauty at Anthropologie. I took a few pictures of color and pattern.

I LOVE that Anthropologie features artists and their art throughout their stores. The decor and layout is inviting and encourages exploration. I can get lost for hours.

Can you find color in your every day?

Little Bliss List...

 Every Friday, Liv Lane hosts the Little Bliss List link party...it is about listing the little things that have touched our hearts and made us feel joy, peace, warmth, love and/or a little bliss during the past week. So, I'm jumping on the bliss band wagon.

1. Hanging out with new friends. Who knew that I would meet like minded, creative, lovely women when taking online e-courses and then to add to it that we meet and just click. I had a joyful, relaxing, inspiring afternoon with Julie from Spaark and Deborah Velasquez. Thank you ladies for the laughs and inspiration.

2. Love at Fat Witch Brownie in NYC. While out with Julie and Deb I stopped in to get a brownie and paused to admire all the love that complete strangers were sharing with each other. It touched my soul and made smile deep inside.








3. I took myself on another heart discovery walk to add more hearts to my Valentine's Day post and had a blast opening myself up to the everyday objects that I walk past. The playfulness of discovery was such a joy.









4. The daily giggles that I share with my BF - a.k.a. Superman. He is the love of my life and we happily do not need a holiday to remind us that we are blessed to be sharing this life together. I am so blessed.

5. Walks in the rain. I left the day job and chose to walk in the rain during my lunch hour. The rain has such a cleansing effect on my mood. I believe that the rain represents tears from heaven and that it has the ability to wash away my cares and worries.

While out walking in the rain I walked past this lock of love just hanging on the exterior wall of a building six feet off the ground. What I love the most about it is that because I shielded my camera with my red umbrella it turned the photo pink. Love!

Click the button below and visit the link party to stalk a few other blogs. Get inspired by reading their blogs and remembering what brought you bliss and touched your heart this past week.

As always, thanks for being a part of my creative journey.  - Lori

Love of Art

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I've been creative in way or another since I was young. My love of art started in grade school and was inspired my Mom and her friends who used to craft and create small pieces of art, mostly ornaments, to sell during the holiday season when I was a child. Today I love all kinds of art and simply respect an artist for creating from the heart.

I've fallen in love with photography all over again during the past year. 

During the past two weeks, while walking throughout NYC, I've been capturing photographs of hearts. It honestly has been so much fun seeing and noticing the world around me with heart shaped glasses. What do you see in the world around you?

Click the Fly Tribe button below and visit the other bloggers that are participating in the Love of Art blog hop today to see what they've been inspired to create or simply what inspires them for the Love of Art.

Shared Messages from the Universe...Share the Love

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.  I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us 
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It is only fitting that the message today be related to love, don't you think? (Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for a special post - I've been collecting hearts for the past couple of weeks and I want to Share the Love with you.)

Share the Love... this made me smile when I walked past it one night on my way home from the train.

As an artist, I believe that it is important to share the love. . . to share what I create, how I see the world and what my thoughts or process are along the way.

Do you have a passion? Do you share it or hold it close?

For the past couple of weeks, I have purposely taken walks with the conscious effort to look for hearts around me.  It means that if you are walking with me I'll fall behind (that is Superman in the photo below walking alone) because I paused to take a photo.

I was stunned to see and find the hearts below. I've walked this street numerous times, as I used to live in this neighborhood, but I never noticed the hearts. It is so amazing what you see when you look for it.

Try it, take a camera (any camera - I have a simple point and shoot that I carry with me, always) and pick a color, any color - now, look around you. How many items are within your view right now that are that color?  Now go to the next room in your house and do the same thing. Later today when you leave your house keep looking for that color and you'll be amazed at how many things you notice just because you are consciously looking for them. Try it - I think you'll be amazed.

I want to encourage you to share the love today - - - share something that you love with someone close to you or share it with a stranger.  Giving a little piece of your passion away just might ignite a little passion in someone else.  Share the Love.

Have you noticed any Shared Messages from the Universe?
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Share your message by joining my flickr group by the same name: Shared Messages from the Universe and post or link your photos. Share those written messages that you walk by most of the time. Those message that all of sudden you notice, you read, you react and they move you forward.

I'd love to see the messages that have inspired you!

Sunday Color Snippets

Color inspiration by a visit to Anthropologie...framed 35mm slides.

 I love this!!!

Little Bliss List...

Every Friday, Liv Lane hosts the Little Bliss List link party...it is about listing the little things that have touched our hearts and made us feel joy, peace, warmth, love and/or a little bliss during the past week. So, I'm jumping on the bliss band wagon.

My Bliss List for the past week...

1. Unexpected sweet notes from Superman always make me smile deep within my heart. 

2. Speaking of sweet notes - I have received so many kind and warm comments from all of you this past week. They mean the world to me, keep 'em coming. Giggle, seriously your comments touch my heart. An added bonus is that they pop up on my phone throughout my day job and make me smile every time. Joy!

3. Sweet kitty snuggles and purrs. The unconditional love from Tucker is a blessing - adopted on a whim - I think he needs a furry buddy, hmmm. Thanks, Mom & Dad for letting me have my first cat when I was 6 years old - my heart has been full since.

4. I took myself on a photo date during my lunch break this week and fell in love with hearts. There are so many of them all around me and I've never noticed before. Make sure to visit on Tuesday, Valentine's Day for a special Love post featuring my found hearts.

5.  A few of us from my day job went to dinner last night - such joy sharing food and  laughs with people that you adore. 

Click the button below and visit the link party to stalk a few other blogs. Get inspired by reading their blogs and remembering what brought you bliss and touched your heart this past week.

As always, thanks for being a part of my creative journey.  - Lori

Letters...I See Them Everywhere

Alphabet NYC         (c) Lori Moon

I have been spending my lunch time walking around the city. I keep seeing letters and I finally have an alphabet that I am happy with...this doesn't mean that I still won't see letters and capture more. 

I have honestly been working on this for about nine months - some letters are easier than others. 

I also created this too...it would make a fun postcard.

I Love NYC - Alphabet                        (c) Lori Moon

It has been a few weeks since I last participated in WOYWW - What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday but hop on over to Julia Dunnit's blog at Stamping Ground and stalk a few desks.

Shared Messages from the Universe

I love everything that this message made me think about...and it still makes me think, feel, and smile.

My first reaction was honestly...what story?

I am just me - nothing spectacular, just a small town girl living in the big city. Then, I giggled out loud and said, yes, I am just me! I have a story.

We all have a story. What is yours and how do you capture it?

You are unique. How you proactively participate in your life is completely different than how I would do so in the same situation.

Think about this for a moment.

Your life IS a story.

What you did yesterday, what made you smile, what brought you happiness, what made you sad - how you lived IS you story. How do you document your never-stop-growing story?

I love this by the way: never-stop-growing. You, your story is always evolving and you play a part in how it evolves, how it grows, how it changes. And, you get to write it.

I choose to write my story through pictures, which if you've seen my previous posts, you probably already guessed.  How do you write your story?

I encourage you to share your story. Your story is unique, different than anyone else's and beautiful. Document it, photograph it, write it down, paint it, draw it...most importantly, share it.

What is your never-stop-growing story?

How will you share it?

Sunday Color Snippets

Blue sky...I often forget you are there due to concrete surrounding me and traveling by subway.
Last weekend,mwhile I was out in the city, the sky was so blue.  I thought I would share a few shots of my glimpse of the sky from different angles.  I will admit that I often forget to look up because so much is happening around me.

 The morning started out with whispy clouds above.

After lunch the sky was clear.

The reflection in the car window below stopped me in my tracks as I was walking. The color of the sky was captured so well, the lighting and the building were framed so nicely I couldn't help but click the shot.

In the photo below, the two white specks that are in the sky are a star, on the left, and a sliver of the moon. 

 What do you see when you look up?

Can you find color in your every day?

Perspective

 When you look at something do you only see it from one perspective?
Or, do you observe from multiple vantage points?

This is the Flatiron Building in NYC.  Each view above allows you to see the building from a different angle and in different light.
 Next time you like at something try looking at it from a different angle, tilt your head, take a few steps back, get closer, sit on the ground...you may just see whatever you are looking at in a whole new way.
Have a great weekend!

Photo-Heart Connection

 Kat Eye Studio is hosting the photo-heart connection project. On the first of each month we will share the photo, that we took during the previous month, that speaks the loudest and the strongest to our heart and soul.

This photo, of all the photos that I have taken this past month, touched me the most.  

As I walk the city, I notice and photograph so many things that speak to me and/or make me think of things that are going on within my heart and head at any given time.  I notice letters where letters do not exist, messages from the universe within advertising and signage, shapes, colors and patterns. It really is how I see the world.

This photo, however, was taken while on a walk after a lovely lunch with my BF. He is always so patient with my fascination with whatever it is that has tickled me that day. He knows that if and when I reach into my purse It is for my camera and he will walk slower or watch me as I focus and shoot my subject of the moment. I was obsessed with shadows on this walk back home through the park. I was distracted by their length, their shape, and how the sun and clouds changed the intensity of the shadow.

This photo makes me smile deep within myself, you know, the kind of smile that makes your heart grin. 

See, I met my Superman 25 years ago, and I have known that he was/is the love of my life. We dated back when I was in college but it took us many years and separate lives filled with lessons to reconnect. Now, we spend our lives together through the good and the bad, the joyous and the difficult.

In this photo, I love the length of the light post due to the position of the sun - how straight it is. And, especially, I love the way that our bodies lean into one another and touch in the shadow. I am smiling as I type this because it just brings such deep comfort and happiness. This is the message for me - a sense of home. 

Please enjoy stalking the Photo-Heart Connection blog post and visiting the other participant's links by clicking on the logo below. Enjoy having your heart warmed with the beauty of their photos.