Behind the Art with Jen

Hi, Artsy friends!!  This page is all about inner gifts and the lack there of.  I never had the gift of athleticism.  I didn't enjoy sports or even working out as a teen or young adult.  Until I started running, I really didn't like sweating and pushing myself into that uncomfortable zone.   That's where this page came from... that belief in one's self that you can overcome previous negative attitudes.  You can change and grow and pull things out of yourself that  you never dreamed possible.

 I didn't think I could run weekly let along daily.  I know I can now that I have done it!  I dream big... having signed up for a 1/2 marathon in this coming spring, I believe I can do it mile by mile.  All it takes is hard work, dedication, motivation, and support.  I have all of that.  I will succeed because inside me I know I can!  Am I scared to death? YES!  I want to do well..  I want it to be easy.  It won't be, but I will succeed!

 My friends, family, and coaches believe I can do it... that helps me to believe I can too.  It is a journey and running with friends is way easier and more fun!  When I signed up for this 1/2 marathon, I did it because my running friends said I could do it and they would be there running along with me!  I am nervous and scared but training for this makes it more fun and less scary!

 For this page, I used the stick titles and cut off an "S" from Smile to create Mile.  The symbolism behind the arrows just made me think of moving forward step by step, mile by mile.

 What is a hidden gift that you didn't think was there but with the help of others, you discovered later?

Behind the Art with Jen

Being a mom is hard work!  Sometimes you worry that the kids are doing not enough or too much!  There are a million things to worry about.  But when I catch my boys just being simple boys with sticks, it makes me inner voice calm down and quiet.  I just smile and enjoy the moment.  They were pretending the sticks were bows and they were on an adventure along with their imaginations! 

 

The symbolism of the arrow in this kit helped me to create this page.  I knew immediately what photo I wanted to use!  Sometimes kids show us how to just be... just have fun with whatever is around.  I'd like to think that I can view things creatively (I am an art teacher and artist after all) but with all the craziness in being an adult, I forget to just keep it simple.  They remind me!

 

 I did create a complex embroidery detail with a heart from one of the papers.  I just had to stitch it!  I tried it once and the paper buckled so I had to back it with a thicker piece of cardstock and cut it out and poke the holes to stitch.  I love how it came out! 

 Follow your heart and look for simple signs that you need to slow down and pay attention!  Kids are perfect at finding opportunities to just play.  I need to listen to that inner voice sometimes but also quiet it when it starts worrying!  My kids are my gift to myself and I hope I always catch them being good boys.  They are so sweet and I am a lucky mama!