stress relief

I have been doing some art~craft projects of late for stress relief.

I find it nice to "play" with various mediums and see what happens.

Never have I thought of myself as a very artsy type, but maybe I just haven't found my niche.

I am learning to just try, play and see what I happen to create.

The painting above was my first attempt with acrylics.

The frame is a project I made for a friend as a Christmas gift for holding/displaying jewelry.

I saw the idea in a magazine a couple years ago & recently made one for myself. My friend adored the idea so I made her one. Also I inspired my best friends daughters to make her own...love that!

keep playing folks

I know you

(my 3 big followers - ha ha)

are wondering why on earth I am actually doing 2 posts in one day?

Well, I have had a lot on my mind of late. Been going through a bit of a medical issue.

I am sure it will turn out to be nothing so not talking about it much, but I am getting a bit tired of doctors visits, tests and oh yeah, pain. I have tried to find good stuff in my life to focus on and be thankful for all the blessings I do have.

It really is one of those up & down emotional type of things if you will.

I truly know that for the most part I am blessed.

I have an amazing support system of family, friends and loved ones.

There is a roof over my head, a job I enjoy and enough money made from that job to keep me in food and such.

My health concerns are minor in comparison to what some of my friends and family have going on, so I try to forget about the pain and not be stressed.

My wish for us all this upcoming holiday season is to relax, enjoy our loved ones and appreciate all of the positive within our lives.

xoxox

running away

This past week I ran away for a vacay to see one of my fab girlfriends from college.

I adore Colorado for the gorgeous scenery, kind people and just being different from California.

We did some wine & chocolate at home with quality girl talk. Shopping of course was also on our agenda as their are so many fun thrift & antique stores in her area. I played with her son who has renamed me Auntie Kristmas (so damn cute) and the adorable, but hyper beyond belief puppies. When I came home I felt refreshed and ready to deal with all of the things that had been bothering me before I left.

I read a quote this am by Marcus Aurelius

"very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking"

I love that...

good deeds lead to good feelings

I made a decision this year to really enjoy the spirit of Christmas. It is my fave holiday, but I am not going to lie I find myself frustrated by how commercial it has gotten. They jump from Halloween decor to Christmas before Halloween is even finished.

Along with this desire to get back to the purer form of my love for this magical holiday I told my immediate family of my wish for them to donate their time or money to a cause they supported rather than give me a gift.

My dad had heard of a young girl in Mexico that was in need of heart surgery through a non profit run by a man he had met in Baja. He made a donation on my behalf and the letter I received in thanks was enough to make me cry while reinforcing my initial reason for doing this.

Dear Kristin:
There are moments that stop me in my tracks. Your decision to for ego a Christmas gift to give the gift of life to Itzel is already the highlight of this effort to help Itzel. The only that could top it would be a successful operation. I’m sure it will happen. I hope you get chance someday to go to El Rosario and say hello to Itzel. She will likely not recognize you but in her heart, she will know that you are someone special. To me, you are special. I hope to also meet you sometime to thank you in person. It is an honor to know you.
My warmest thanks,
Andy Schouten.



http://makeacommitment.org/

If you are looking to spread your own bit of love and goodwill within the world after reading this than please do. If you wish to help out Itzel I posted the link within this post also.

Happy Holidays to you and yours...may it be filled with love, family and all the blessings you could hope for.

halloween...

So, this past weekend was Halloween, which is not my fave holiday...it is however my sweet girl A's. As I managed to get the day off from work and switch my schedule for the day after I drove down to LA to spend it with her & B at their annual Halloween party. As you can see she gets into the decor big time, so dang cute!

I was a Mexican senorita in the tackiest of ways...using my uniform from my very first ever job at 16 from El Torito.

I had the best time, just relaxing and chatting with the few people I did know there. Playing funny games, carving pumpkins and eating delicious food.

the getaway to spend some time with one of my girls was much needed as I have had a little bit of stress in my life of late and trying to find a good balance.