Rain Rain Don't Go Away...

I think most people would describe the weather here in Franklin, TN today as ... "crappy". "Crappy" because the rain and expected tornado watches probably inconvenienced the crowds attending the marathons and festivals today.
But as for me, I LOVE the stormy weather. It was the perfect excuse to stay inside (yes, in PJ's) aaalllll day! But the best part was I got some time to paint. Not for the cards, or a special request for someone, it was just for me. I needed a new painting to accompany the new bedspread I bought last night... so there ya go! There was my productive Saturday. :-)
And for the inspirational part of this blog, I gotta say I love the rain for another reason. I love rain, wind, and thunder because its such an awesome example of God's power. The storms can be intense, but afterwords, there is always light, growth, and a calming sense of peace. No matter what storms you are going through in life, just sit back and know that God will bring forth something positive into your life.  Most of the time, the outcome that God delivers strongly outweighs those stormy times.

A little Disney Magic....

Welcome back!....As you may have noticed the blog got a new make over recently. I thought it would be nice to add a little something new, as we prepare for a new season. Hope everyone enjoys the new color scheme, the blog posts, artwork, and of course the new little Koi Fish pond on the left hand side.

Late last night I returned from a week long trip to Florida. Aside from being severely sick half way through the trip, it was refreshing and inspiring to see some family, friends, and college buddies.
I even went back to my old university (Univ. South Florida). It was kinda cool to walk around campus again, the place that was 'home' during my early 20's.

I ventured back to the old fine arts building and was hit really hard (in a good way) with reality. I had spent so much time, money, energy, materials, and thoughts in that building. I worked so hard to learn as much as I could, working towards my life long dream to pursue art. And every year, I couldnt wait until I'd graduate so I could be done with classes, and be able to do my thing. Well...that was over 3 years ago...and everyday since, I've been working hard trying to do the best at the job Ive been blessed with, working hard to pay bills, working hard to challenge myself....leaving very little time for the one passion that God had instilled in me a long time ago. You always think "when I have a little time off Ill get to that" or "maybe this weekend after all my responsibilities are done, I can finally get to do it"... and eventually life ends up passing you by. I dont want to be 60 or 70 and realize that Im running out of time. Yes, we need to live responsibily, but if God plants a dream in our hearts, isnt it our responsibility to pursue it, give it everything we've got, and trust Him to make that dream blossom.

I was fortunate to spend some time at Disney this weekend (thanks to a very generous friend- Thanks Laura!!!) You gota love the colors, the music, the designs, the fun, and the 'magic' at Disney World....but I also was inspired by some quotes that were posted on the walls of the park by Walt....

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them"

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing"

"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable."

Just a few things to keep in mind. :-) As for me, I promise to try and post more inspirational blogs more often, as well as new artwork and cards. I have some cool things to share with you all soon regarding my site.

Thanks for everyone's support and love! 

Alyssa and I back at USF

Playing around can be successful

So last week I shared my excitement over the shopping trip to the art store. This week I just wanted to share some of the results of last weeks' "play time".
I have had it on my heart for a long time to make these cards, and get them out there. The making them part is fairly easy (other than trying to find the time!)...its the 'getting them out there' part that seems to be hard for me.
Last week I was particularly motivated to create, and stayed up late to finish some cards for a few co-workers. I just wanted to take the time to say "thank you" to them for who they are, and let them know how blessed I am to work with them.
Coincidentally (or not) a lot or drama and hurt feelings broke out in the workplace the day after the day after I handed out the cards. This is the second time I felt pushed to get the cards out to people, right before a chaotic event broke out.
Now part of me wants to think, "Ok last time I give cards to people! They are bad luck!" But it in my right mind, I know God had me create these for a reason. I am not sure how or if the cards helped those involved in the drama last week, but I do trust that God will use them to bring some healing and comfort. After all, that's why I created Lisscat Creations...everyone needs a pick-me-up now and then.
Go do something nice for someone this week. Don't wait until a chaotic event to happen. What you do might just brighten their day, or give them the strength they need on stormy day.

Play Time

Just had the most fun, thrilling, exciting experience of my life.... just got back from the ART STORE!!! (Ok, so maybe I am exaggerating a little bit).

But come on, I'm sure everyone can remember a time when they were a kid, and just received the newest coolest, most awesome toy, or maybe they got their first puppy! There is that overwhelming excitement that takes over, and for me, a successful shopping trip to the art store really does it for my 26 year old self. :-)

It's so interesting how we are wired. The things God instilled in us that really make us tick. What are yours?

Part of the reason I started the cards at Lisscat Creations was to inspire people.
The stamps I just got at the art store (which were also on clearance by the way) are all about words of encouragement, passion, excitement, and all the other way's God shows his loving existence to us over and over again.

So...I leave you with this... What are you passions, the things that make you YOU? Go re-discover them, and spend a little time letting yourself have some pure fun. After all play time, isnt just for kids!

This week's pic is the outcome of my successful trip to the art store. Hopefully soon I'' have some pics of the art that came out of it. :-)

Till next week, stay BLESSED!

Open Waters...

Doesn't life sometimes feel like your out in the middle of the open waters. You're doing everything you can to stay afloat despite the waves and squalls surrounding you.
These past couple of weeks have felt that way emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Each wave is another thing, chore, responsibility, decision that is calling for our attention.
Trust me, I am blessed, and thankful for my job, the people in my life, and the places I have to go to. But anything, even good things, when there's too much of it calling for your attention, can be draining.
Every week I try to post a positive blog, to inspire people. In all honesty, its difficult to post positive things when life seems so crazy and uncertain.
So hopefully you who are reading this can relate, and feel good that other people are experiencing this too.
So for now, I'll take a deep breath, get ready for another week, and stand firmly behind my faith that God is good, and will direct my steps.
This painting is one I did a few years ago appropriately titled "Open Waters".

Special delivery...

OK, first off, please forgive my tardiness with this post. My computer's been kinda ill, making it hard to get online and update this blog!

Do you like magic? Do you like how something can seemingly appear out of nowhere? Well, in a way, that's how God works, except on a much higher, holier level of course! :-)
Did you know the word "creator" literally means "one who makes something out of nothing."
How many times have you felt like "nothing"...like you weren't making a difference, or like you have nothing special to contribute to this world? I think we've all been down in that pit before.
We have to remember this:
God is not only our Heavenly Father, our Savior, our friend... but our CREATOR. No matter how little or nothing you feel about yourself, God can make something out of you. Most of the time, he uses us to impact the lives of others, when we don't even realize He's doing it!
So saying this as a reminder to myself as well, please please please go out and LIVE, pursue your DREAMS! You never know how God is going to use you to turn someone else' day around.

This week's image is a card for one of my sweet friends who just gave birth to her first baby.
Congrats to the Taylor family on the birth of little Stephanie Rose!

happy accidents...

Do you ever have those days where you realllllyy realllly want to be productive, but all you can do is sit there and beg the universe to instill some form of creativity or inspiration in you?!

...Well that about sums up my last week on the creative front!

I wracked my brain all week trying to find not only the time and energy, but the right creative designs for the cards. As much as I was loving painting, it felt like pulling teeth trying to conjure up the 'right' images. I repeatedly asked myself what everyone else would want to see on the cards.

Now dont get me wrong, its good to ask yourself what you audience wants to see...but its not so good when you spend more time thinking, than you do imagining, and creating!

Finally frustrated, I found some scrap watercolor paper (although any part of a sheet of $6 watercolor paper should not be considering a scrap!!). I broke out the 'good' tubes of watercolor paint, put on some good music and just p-a-i-n-t-e-d! And needless to say, the result was pretty cool! It was a breathe of fresh air to play with the colors, draw fun shapes, and create some kind of abstract world that could really give reality a run for its money.

So I guess I can wrap up with this...What is it that you LOVE to do? Whether its painting, singing, acting, reading, playing sports, etc... dont put so much pressure on yourself to conform to what you think everyone wants to see....just do it because you love it. You never know when your 'happy accidents' might be the spark that some one needs to light up their day.

This weeks picture is a close up of one of the cards I made last week....just vibrant colors, fun shapes...a little escape....enjoy!