Trusting your Own Inner Nature

Identity

Accolades can usher in

great trouble for your body.

Censure can herald misery.

Why can favor and disfavor

both be harmful?

Because both accolades and censure,

when filtered through self ego,

always place us in jeopardy.

But when the universe becomes your self,

when you love the world as yourself,

all reality becomes your haven,

reinventing you as your own heaven.

Only then, will you transcend tense

to fully be here now.

Only then, no harm

will the universe proffer

nor you to her,

for you will be

not you but she

and both - the universal Great Integrity.

Verse 13 of the Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching: Translation, Commentary and Introduction by Ralph Alan Dale

Jane Hardy Miller Book Signing Event

Have you heard of Jane Hardy Miller?  She is a wonderfully talented quilter/author who has written several books on the art of French Braid Quilts.  She will be doing a book signing event at the JoAnn store in Pembroke Pines, Florida, this Saturday, February 25 from 11 am - 1 pm.  A collection of her gorgeous quilts will be on display.  Jane will briefly talk about her quilts.  If you are local to South Florida, please join us!  As part of this event, one lucky winner will receive a tote full of goodies from C&T Publishing!

Love and blessings!

Kathy

Strike up some FUN!

Sometimes I feel like the bowling party invitation queen!  One of the most memorable birthday parties I ever threw was a bowling party for my son when he was six years old.  I can still remember how much fun it was and the huge smile on his face when we packed up the van and went home.  Years later, my sister decided to throw a bowling party for my nephew and called me asking if I could come up with something cute for a party invitation with a bowling theme.  She couldn't believe how hard it was to find something really cute.  So feeling inspired and out of great love for my adorable little nephew, I came up with this:

Retro-Style Bowling Party Invitation

Everyone loved it!  She got lots of wonderful compliments and so I placed it in my Etsy shop for fun.  It has become my best seller!  I have sold this invitation over and over.  The best part is that I feel like a part of a new bowling party celebration every time I modify it for a new birthday celebration.  Each time I create a new personalized invitation with all the details, I open up my file directory and see all the little faces I've added to the bowling party invitation and it fills my heart with joy!

Since the original design, I have created a couple of other styles (prompted by moms who are not so much into the retro look).

Modern-style Bowling Party Invitation

So, this week I received a new challenge. I was given a couple of photos and asked to use one of the photos to create the modern style bowling invitation.  I was surprised because only one photo had a little smiling face. All the other photos were shots of the same little guy bowling (with his back facing in each photo).  I wasn't sure quite what to do... and then it came to me.

I really love how it turned out!  I think the mom was too! Oh, and by the way, for the little girl who loves to bowl (after all, girls just wanna have fun too!)... this one is for you!

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Bowling Party Invitation

Love and blessings!

Kathy

Fairy Tale Romance

Save the Date Challenge at Minted.com

untitled: the first-ever minted art print challenge at Minted.com

Cityscape Challenge at Spoonflower.com

untitled: the first-ever minted art print challenge at Minted.com

I've been busy working on designs for Minted.com and Spoonflower.com.  Feel free to vote for any of my designs by clicking the link in the captions above.

Love and blessings,
Kathy

Bust a Gut at I Heart Faces!

Happy Cyber Monday! I decided to participate in I Heart Faces' Bust a Gut photo challenge...what a great way to start the week...with laughter! Meet my sweet little niece and nephew, Aarika and Jakob.  Aren't they adorable!

Go check out all the laughter today at I Heart Faces!

For more inspiration, visit Traci Michelle's blog,Ordinary Inspirations - Capturing Beauty.

Love and blessings.
Kathy
xoxox

She loves Minnie Mouse

My friend's photo

Meet Campbell.  Isn't she adorable with those sweet little pigtails?  People often ask what does ArtsyCanvasGirl Designs do?  My reply? I transform sweet little cherished photos into personalized heirloom that are enjoyed for years to come.  I am curious, which version is your favorite?

Love and gratitude,
Kathy
xoxox

Sea Shells by the Sea Shore

Photo courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography

What a perfect way to send warmth to our love ones during this holiday season...just love these little shell ornaments! :)  Warmest wishes to everyone!

Love and blessings,
Kathy
xoxox