~Making Christmas Wishes Come True~

~Making Christmas Wishes Come True~

http://www.milliande.com/Mixed-Media-Artists-Christmas-Wishlist.html

How would like ya Artsy Christmas wishes come true?

My friend Milliande is wanting to thank those of us who followed her grow as an artist, a chance to have a wish granted. It's not hard to enter, Just follow the link above and do as it says. I think it's VERY GENEROUS of her to want to pay it forward in such a beautiful way. I want everyone I know to enter this! No excuses! Ya know ya have some ARTSY WANTS, why not ask Milliande Angel to see if she can fufill them? All the information ya need is in the link above. I know it would make me feel good if one of my friends had their wishes come true! If ya happen to win I would like ya to let me know. PLEASE make Milliande and myself happy by entering this Christmas Wishlist. Ya have nothing to lose.

Whata waiting for? Quit reading this and get to making ya wishlist! :)

~The Question Remains~WHO are YOU?~

~WHO are YOU?~

My friend KatieLynn, posted a really good question on her blog here...

http://dreamwishplay.blogspot.com/

Please take a moment to visit her, tell her Poe sentcha. And answer this question for her. ~Thanks~

So have ya ever wondered, Who ya truly are? I mean KatieLynn asked a question that I believe alot of us don't know. It's easy to say ya a Mother, Father, Friend, etc... But do ya KNOW WHO YOU ARE? Try to answer it truthfully without adding the usual typical as KatieKal (my nickname for her) Says...

"under the weight of what the world has put upon you"

WE need to decide WHO WE ARE! Don't just fall into the comfort of what others THINK you are, truly KNOW for YOURSELF! I guess my growing up the way I did, I had plenty of time to reflect on who I was.

Was I this child who was the following?...

Stupid, Unwanted, Failure, *itch, Slut, *astard child, sexually abused,Trash, and so many other names drilled into my head.

There was NO WAY I was any of those things. I didn't feel them deep inside of me. What I did feel, was never wanting anyone to ever feel like I did when those words were spoken. I knew I was a child who could use her words to build others up, not tear them down. I was a child who found her voice in Poetry, and used it to express herself. A child who could use paint,oil pastels and such to pour out her emotions, and have it reflect the beauty that would mask the ugliness of an abused childhood.

So here is WHO I AM....

I am a wandering soul who delights in making others smile.

A constant reminder to those who have suffered in childhood, That we are not our past. We can make our mark upon this earth, Shining brightly to show the way to those who follow behind us.

A voice for those who have none.

I am an Artist, A Poet, A Dreamer, A Believer, A Wisher.

I am She Who Wanders

I am Poetic Dreams

I am all of this and ever so much more!

I will continue to evolve, grow and change.

And at the end of my life,when I take my last breath upon this earth.

I will have known I was all of the BEST OF ME!

~Moleskine Give Away Contest~

~MoleSkine Give Away Contest~

My friend Leslie over at Comfortable Shoes Studio is having a give away. All ya have to do is pop on over to her site and leave her a sweet message. Tell her Poe sentcha!

Don't worry I don't get anything special for sending ya her way. No secret prize or a special fairy knocking on my door full of art supplies. (Oh how I wish!) lol

I simply like her to know ya found her blog through my entry is all. I like being able to help friends and support them. So whata waiting for? Why are ya still reading this? Enter in this wonderful contest so ya can win some awesome Moleskine products. What better way to enjoy Christmas, then to have a package come with ya name on it and finding ya won Moleskine products?

Here's the link!

http://www.comfortableshoesstudio.com/2009/11/moleskine-give-away-contest.html

Enjoy ya day!

~Transform~

~Transform~

I made this ATC for inspiration.

Seems like I've been fighting with my body ever since I could remember. First with trying to walk correctly, to correct that I wore braces till I was 15 years old. Then I fought hard to hide bruises I received from daily beatings, and being sexually abused. I've fought kidney stones a few times, and being half deaf. What I didn't count on having to fight with my body over is living a normal life. I've been struggling since 1993 with food. No I don't have an eating disorder such as Bulimia or Anorxia, that would be too easy to solve.

What started all this? A simple trip I took with a friend to Berkley Springs, West Virginia. Don't get me wrong the trip was memorable. I am reminded every day since, how memorable that trip was. It was life changing to say the least! One day while we were on the trip we decided to take the kids to see "The Run" it's a place where they have natural spring water flowing through a section of the grounds.

It's also known for where George Washington bathed.

There's a place where ya can actually fill water jugs to take this wonderful water home with you.

It was a very hot day, and having the kids cool off in the run sounded like a good idea. What we didn't expect was an unexpected down pour of rain. Within minutes the water had risen to my knees. I decided to film the area for a momento, and showed how fast the the run had flooded. What I also didn't know was when it rains like this sewers aren't draining the water, and back up into the waters we were standing in. We had gotten the kids home and everyone showered and in clean clothes. The next day we were to venture home, Before we did we stopped off and filled up some water jugs. Can ya see where this is headed?

I brought home the water and drank it. Before long I was sick, really sick! To put it nicely, every time I ate anything I was in the restroom getting sick. Immodium was my very best friend, and
I lived this way for 10 years. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I went to the doctors, and I was told constantly it was IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) no tests, just a general that's it live with it kind of diagnosis.

During this 10 year span I became more and more a recluse. Here I was a mom of three with a hubby and I wasn't living my life. I went from being a woman on the go to a woman who feared going out and being sick. Dates with Hubby became a thing of the past, as did church and other activities I enjoyed. There is nothing worse then being a wife and mama and not being a functioning one. I decided to call the doctor again, This time I demanded something be done for me. He had me go see a gastro doctor who did tests like Endoscopy & Colonoscopy. Which I found out the hard way, I'm allergic to the drink for the Colonoscopy. He also did some stool tests.

I found out immediately through the test what I've been suffering from for 10 years. I received a call from the CDC (Center For Diesease Control) They had a conversation with me for 2 hours on the phone. Asking me all kinds of questions. What was funny was the whole time I'm talking to the lady, I'm expecting these men in white suits to break in my home & take me away like in the movie.

What I ended up having was a parasite in my small intestines. This was from drinking contaminated water from Berkeley Springs West Virgina. My daughter was the one who put it all together. So for 9 months I took medicines to kill the parasites. Did this heal me? NO! the damage that was done to my small instestines is something I can't fix. Had my doctor checked further the first time, I would've had a better chance of a full healing.

Now what I have to do is live a Gluten-Free Diet. I researched this and figured this is what I now need to do to live a semi-normal life. People who have can't have gluten is because their small intestines can't digest gluten or they have damage done like me. Eating out is more difficult for me since I need to be more aware of everything I eat. Didya know licking a stamp or envelope can make me sick? Why? Because there is gluten in them. Ya won't believe where gluten hides,things like Chapsticks, Lip glosses for instance.

Going Gluten-Free is a another challenge my family and I are dealing with. The worst part of having this is the grocery bill. To buy one loaf of Gluten-Free bread costs me $6.99. that's just an example. It's been 3 weeks since I've been without Gluten, Not withstanding last night. I went to Boston Market with hubby and had their Beef Brisket. When I had checked the website it said it was Gluten-Free But I soon found out differently. Last night and most of the day I endured such pains, that I almost went to the ER. I'm feeling better now, and even better to know it was what I had eaten and can now avoid. That's the price I pay for not inspecting food ingredients better. That's just another example of what Gluten sufferers deal with. My only question to my body is "When will I quit having to fight with you?" I'm praying it's soon, because I would like to have a life fuller then what I have now.

~Mystele's Gut Art Class~

~Gut Art Class~

It's been awhile since I've made an entry, But I had to share something with ya. I've been following artist Mystele ever since I found her on YouTube. She's such a blessing to watch and to learn from. She's a VERY giving person not only of her time, but of her knowledge of art.

I once asked her if she could tell me how to make African American skin tones. Because I was at a loss on a piece I was working on. She not only told me how, SHE SHOWED ME! She actually took the time to make a video and show me how she achieves the skin tones. I was honored she took time out to help me. She proved to me to be a generous soul.

I find her to be quite honest and refreshing in her style of artwork. The reason why I'm sharing this is because Mystele is gonna teach an art class titled "Gut Art". She wants to inspire us as artists to use our own sense of style (our gut) while creating art.
Ya can join in on the class by clicking on the link to the left of my blog. I for one think ya can learn alot from her.

She's not asking ya to make the same art as she does. She wants ya to learn to depend on that inner voice that is inside each of us, as we express ourselves through art. These are not her words but mine, I just feel the need to share how I feel about her. I'm excited to expand my knowledge, to learn something I'm sure I overlook everyday. Unfortunatley I have to wait till October 1st when this class starts. So there's plenty of time for ya join in.

By the way Mystele doesn't wantcha to buy art supplies (unless ya need them) She wants ya to use whatcha have, She knows times are tough for everyone. I think it's another example of her sweet nature to think of others. So if I peaked ya interest, click on the link to the left and see what she has to offer. If ya join (Which I hope ya do) Tell her Poetic Dreams said hi!

I hope to see what ya create if ya take her class. I know I'm gonna be showing what all I've learned.

~Lil Love's Fairy Mermaid~

"Lil Love's Fairy Mermaid"

On Saturday night Lil Love and I were doing our nightly quality time. We usually play doctor, blocks, and make art before her bath & bed time. While we were playing, Lil Love asked me if I could make her a "Pretty fairy mermaid." Now this isn't just any fairy, she made her requests known. Her fairy mermaid had to have glitter, dark pink, and fishies. She was ever so polite when she asked me. She said "Please Nina" How do ya say no to such a sweet request? I couldn't.

I started working on the fairy mermaid that night. I stopped by my local art store before work on Sunday, and picked up a few needed items. I stumbled across a few things for Lil Love's picture as well. I went to work on her portrait last night after work, and by 3am I was finished. I even added an envelope on the back of the portrait so I can write a special note for Lil Love.

A part of me was worried if I did this piece justice. I mean after all this wasn't just any art work, it was for my Lil Love. When I revealed her "Fairy Mermaid" to her she was excited. Feeling thrilled as she looked it over. Pointing out each fish, the dark pink of the mermaids tail. She was happy her name was spelled out in glitter letters. She kept repeating "I like it, I like it" Made my heart feel good for making her happy. Doesn't take much to bring a smile to her face, But when ya the one who makes it light up it's extra special.

I plan on writting the special note tonight to add to her portrait. I'd like her to know what the saying "So many...new sights...new sounds...so many different things." means. I want her to know as a two year old she is an extremely bright child. How much I love her, and all the times we've created art together brought me such joy. A letter she can have to remember our time together.

~Crow Woman~

"Crow Woman"

Just wanted to touch base with everyone on how I'm progressing on my art work. This is my very first Mixed Media art done on a 6" x 12" birchwood. I haven't sealed it as of yet because I need to purchase some beeswax as well as a hot glue pot to melt it in. Lil Love is facinated with her and says "I like it, Pretty Fairy" lol she seems to think all of Nina's people are Fairies. Don't ask me why. I do collect them but she doesn't know this.

I've been working on some challenges, and I'm really feeling like I can become the artist I should've been years ago.

Funny thing is I've been bombarded with signs pointing out my need to create. I don't usually believe in horoscopes, I mainly read them for fun. But all of June I received messages such as this.

~June 28,2009~

This is a time of new beginnings, Dear Aquarius whether you are aware of it or not, You are more then ready to take on some new chalenges. You have allowed yourself to become complacent about your career. You have the ability to make a major step up, why not do so? All that is required is a bit of effort on your part. Figure out what your ideal job would be then pursue it, or, better yet, Create it!

So I've been thinking back when I was 16,(before I married Mr.) I wanted to be the following...

A Commercial Artist, Physical Therapist, Mom. Seems I've done the mom thing, I'm onto the Nina thing. I'm not really interested in being a Physical Therapist anymore. I only wanted to be one because I wore braces on my legs from the waist down. All that's left is commercial artist. I'm not interested in being in the corporate world, because I'm not into hurting others. To be honest I'm not a competitive person to where ya have to hurt others to get ahead. But, I can still be an artist! So where do I go from here?

I need to finish school for one! I want to get my transcripts from high school and do what I can to get my high school diploma. Ok, don't look shocked I said I didn't have a high school diploma.

I'll explain for ya. Ya already know I married Mr. when I was 16. I didn't actually drop out of school, it kind of came around by accident. I was pregnant with my son and endured kidney stones when I was 6 months pregnant. I was hospitalized for almost 3 weeks, too which they threatened to do surgery if I didn't pass them. My main focus wasn't school at this point but to make sure I delivered a healthy baby. I won't go into major details, but will say my husband was told it was me or the baby.

I became and a mom and did what most moms do and that's put myself last on the list. Most of the times I never made it on the list. Life has a way of progressing faster then we all would like. My children all received their diplomas, and my heart soared with pride for accomplishing what my heart so long for. With getting my transcripts I can finish my education with a DIPLOMA not a GED. No offense to those who have a GED. But I want to get what I should've gotten years ago. Yes, it's gonna cost me more money to do it. But in the end I'll have my diploma. From there I can take some college art courses.

I made a 101 in 1001 Days List and this is on my list to do. I started it on October 13th, 2008. I need to finish it by July 11th,2011, Getting my transcripts will be one thing I can take off the list. I will admit I did pretty good on my list.

I have been working with a medium, that I want to perfect before I show my work. So far it's going pretty good. I'll share it once I get feedback on the project. I have ya curiosty peeked huh? lol I'l keep ya informed as the project progresses. Been working 10 hour days, 6 days a week. So most of the time I come home and crash. Have to finish up a few more challenges for my art groups. I'm learning so much from them and I feel blessed. I wouldn't have attempted to even try "Crow Woman" if it weren't for Mystele, Willowing & Gary. They give me the courage to explore "What if" In the famous words of Mystele http://mystele.blogspot.com/

"You can't control everything you just have to let go."

With that I've been letting go. Letting go the negative remarks & my hesitations of making my art perfect. It's freeing, really freeing. I just want to thanks Mystele for those words. She has no idea how much they've opened my eyes to my art.

Thanks Mystele hun! I so love ya, for being my inspiration!

I'm off to make art!