I’m feeling a bit better today. I’m really shocked at how hard this hit me, like I had been broken up with. But now I am more than ready to move on. Being sad and feeling hurt SUCKS!! I really do not like feeling this way and whenever I’m having a hard time processing through bad feelings, I like to make a list of things I’m grateful for…. I’ve been working on this list all day, because it’s just been a really great day. 🙂
1. The overflowing and love and support from my husband who continues to gently nudge me towards my dreams and hold me up when I’m down.
2. The smiling faces of me sweet boys. They could sense I’ve been down these last few days and have said some cute things like, “Mom, I love you as much as all the stars in the sky. ( thoughtful pause) You do know that the sun is the biggest star don’t you?” And, “maybe your eyes need some eye drops to help them feel better.”
3. All of YOU, my dear blogging friends (my sister too) who have sent me the sweetest emails of support and encouragement. I had to work over the last 2 days and throughout the days I received beautiful messages. I couldn’t read them until I got home because every time I tried the water works started. I am so lucky to have you!!!
4. This very sweet comment from Stacia, that I received on my ‘about’ page this morning:
“Just wanted to let you know that u inspired me, and that’s saying something because I’m like 12 years old and you make me want to be a vegetarian and I love to make crafts so I think your brilliant 
”
Heart melting!~If that’s not inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing, I don’t know what is!
5. A 40 minute workout on the elliptical machine, rocking out to some Franz Ferdinand. Sweatin’ it out feels good!
6. New summer sandals (on sale!) and freshly painted nails (skirt from a Portland,OR thrift shop- got it last summer)
7. 3 etsy sales this week!!
8. Bright sunny days (Hot, but I still love that sunshine)
9. Happy kids noises all day = summertime.
10. Craft room is still clean and clutter free.
11. The 2lbs of organic blueberries the hubby just brought home this morning, now half gone.
12. New HUGE moleskine art journal.
13. Making time to read these books: Soulcraft, Thanks! and Unfurling. All beautiful, insightful and inspiring.
14. Future plans with my friend Alexandra, for craft fair in November.
15. Found some plaster gauze and will be playing later today.
16. Camera apps on my phone : Fx Camera, Retro Camera and Little Photo
17. Music,music,music:A Fine Frenzy, Imogen Heap, Laura Marley, Dawn Landes, Eddie Vedder, Phoenix, The Strokes, Franz, Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes, Feist, Adele, The Shins, Blind Pilot, Tilly & the Wall, Ravonettes to name a few…
18. Refreshing Pomegranate Cosmopolitans (we used pomegranate juice instead of cranberry juice) So good!
19. My Vita Mix, morning green smoothies and sweet miso-mustard dressing on my salads. (dressing recipe: 2 tbsp yellow miso, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp agave nectar or honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, 3-4 tbsp oil of choice, 1/2-1 cup water, salt & pepper to taste)
20. Being able to share all of this with YOU. Because YOU are my kind of people. Thanks for being there for me.
Your blog is by far the most inspiring one that I read, and on so many different levels. Even when your down its uplifting. 😛
Nancy
“Sometimes you get where your going by starting out for someplace else.”
Love everything you do Regina. You are one of my most favorite blog friends and look forward to your posts. Love that you love your husband and children. And your crafts inspire me. I was showing a friend your blog the other day (she’s a painter too) and told her I wanted to learn to paint because of you (and her too).
elsa
oh, i am so glad you posted! i stopped by thinking it might be too soon, but hoping. and here you are! glad you are on the mend. your list is great, and your art is so lovely. keep on making! your wishes are coming true even now.
I wanted to comment on you actual “crushed” post but commenting was closed. I knew you needed a little time to take it all in. Regina, I’m 100% sure that it didn’t work out to teach at art fest, not because you aren’t a brilliant artist, very talented, completely inspirational and all around amazing… because you are all of those things… I bet some oversight or full load made them make their decisions.
For what it’s worth, YOU are my biggest inspiration in the craft, home life, blog, and want to be a better person categories. I’m so glad I found your little nook of creativity and inspiration in the blogisphere all those years ago. I consider you a trusted, valuable resource, I admire and respect you on so many levels. =) I do hope to be able to meet you one day.
So, being down for a bit, is natural. But know that you have friends/fans who adore you and support you!! And keep up posted on the future of teaching at art fest (or anywhere else)… I’d make sure to be there that year! =)
Hugs and healing thoughts for you.
Heather
I’m so glad you’re back. Your blog is the only one that I read daily. I find your art and your posts to be so creative, beautiful, whimsical,inspiring and you are so generous.
I’m sorry that you’re having a difficult time. I hope you keep doing what you do so well! I would be thrilled to be able to take a class taught by you … or buy a book written by you if you ever decide to do that:)
Hip, hip… hooray!
Glad you have made a come back *hugs*
Yes, you are blessed :]
Hola, encontré tu blog navegando en internet y me encantó. Tienes cosas realmente hermosas y originales. Te felicito!!!. Recibe un abrazo desde Venezuela.
So glad you’re feeling better! One great thing about being hurt is finding out how many people care about us and that truly makes us stronger! Keep up the mending and know that there are lots of people sending you positive thoughts.
xoxxo Love you sweet girl! I did a post on gratitude on the SAME day as you, and I hadn’t even read yours! LOL!! “Already our minds are becoming one” {said in the sneaky Antonio Banderas accent from puss in boots Hhahahah!} You are wonderful, so excited for Canada post to stop striking so I can get my PRETTIES from you!! xoxox yay!! {{{{HUGS}}}}
love your blog. love your art. love your gratitude list. amazing how that elevates us ALL. keep on keepin’ on. it will all work out.
these are all such wonderful things to be thankful for.. big hugs…
I hv had a hell few weeks myself.. so I know the importance of focusing in on what works and what is good in your life.
big hugs.
When you are feeling broken and worthless… trust me I know those feelings.. it helps to engage w/ppl that love and genuinely support you.
I am here. xo hugs
you are amazing!
HELLO. when i read the post u said u did not make the cut, i thought? why what who? i thought what i should write to be encouranging but i could not find anything, i just need to say your blog is one of the first i found out and you are one of my favorites,
love u , love the painting , i need to make the 20 things list once a month for sure
I am glad you are feeling better Regina. I am so sorry that things didn’t work out as you had hoped. I felt so bad when I read that.
You never know what will happen.. try again next year, try another retreat, maybe Squam?
Whatever you do, don’t give up.
hugs,
dana
Beautiful work ,really inspiring . Every body have to stay and think about those things that makes happines, not money not big expectatives. I´m here , miles far away of you , you don´t know me but i love you , your work and your blog conected us , I´m a fifty worker mum of two boys (18 and 13) and I´m happy at the end of the day when my kitchen is clean and I knit something whatching tv and comenting the day with my three “men”. I hope you can understand my english . Live slow and enjoy life day by day