Click here for a Creative video by my son Cory Bigham from my latest art show

Integrity will protect you

Finishing up a couple 30x30 paintings today! It's been an interesting process....layers upon layers upon layers of acrylic not knowing what the final outcome will be. It's a process that I'm learning from Flora Bowley through an e-course....Brave Intuitive You.

The painting below, "Inspiration Within Gives Strength", makes me think of all that is going on creatively inside each of us, giving us wings of bravery. She may be going through struggles on the outside but will decide to choose fearlessness and not let anything hold her down. Her special creativity has been given to her by the Creator Himself and she will let that give her strength.

Below is the same painting before adding the last few layers. I have no idea how it got from there to where it ended. It just evolved itself .

This next painting, "Carry Beauty Through it All", also deals with bravery and struggles. The Bible verse from Psalms 25:21...."May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope is in you" repeatedly ran through my mind as this painting was emerging. The beautiful bird, carrying burdens, soars with her head held high and wings flying strong through troubles maintaining integrity trusting a promise.

Below, the same painting before it decided to 'fly'.

I have a very good friend who is going through extraordinary struggles right now. These paintings are dedicated to her. May you trust, remain faithful, courageous, and strong.

New, Unique, Adventure!! Art By Murder....

I've been so quiet over here because there has been a murder to solve! Please check out Art By Murder at www.artbymurderevent.com to get a better idea of what is consuming all my time.

The eyes of a child

It's Spring Break!! A great reminder to notice all things new around us. The new green, the flowers blooming, trees budding. Fresh and new....

We were reminded this week, as we had the special privilege of having our grandson stay with us, how special every moment is through the eyes of a child. They don't take anything for granted. Everything is fresh and new!

Seeing and riding on an airplane.....

Loading his pickup truck with playdoh.....

and loving every minute outside!!

What a joy to watch!!

heARTs + cLOVER

My little gray cells are working overtime here. An idea has formed somewhere in there and is bursting to get out! Hours have been spent researching, planning, meeting, and visualizing to complete the total package. It will match perfectly with my 'WHY' (providing fun and adventure while expressing and radiating encouraging inspiration). I am alllll....mo....st ready to share it. Just a little more finalizing and officializing to go. And to add to the great excitement, I have found the perfect 'WHO' with whom to collaborate. News coming soon!

With all the super duper concentration, I decided to get outside for some fresh air and a walk through our little nature trail in the neighborhood. I discovered I was absolutely surrounded by love. Hearts were everywhere I looked!!

Big green hearts......

Pretty yellow hearts.....

And then I started noticing the clover. The color was so fresh and green.

It looked soft and cool. I just stopped and really looked and realized.....

Each clover is a grouping of 3 hearts tied together. HE must have put millions of hearts there for me to see and feel loved at that moment. It was then that I realized I was on a very special walk....a heARTs + cLOVER walk.

I will be going on many heARTs + cLOVER walks from now on.

And the greatest of these is love.

Chips and business = thriving culture

How? How do you want to be perceived in business?

I want to be perceived like CHIPS!!

The culture of your business is where all the pieces of the puzzle come together. I know my mission...

WHY I want to do what I do... To freely & independently provide for fun adventures while expressing and radiating encouraging inspiration.

I know WHO I would prefer to work with...my peeps. Those willing to grow, be positive, try something new, with a good sense of humor, respect, and encouragement for others.

And I know WHAT I want my product to be...original artwork, prints, and maybe a few surprises in the wings.

Now it's time to decide HOW I want the culture of my business to be perceived.

• How do I want those I work with to feel?
• How do I want my customers to feel?
• What are important values to me?

I've decided I would be best represented in "itty bitty" CHIPS.

"Creativity"-always looking for innovative ways to interpret ideas

"Hospitality"-going the extra mile to make someone feel special

"Integrity"-honesty, truth, trust

"Positivity"-a smile, an encouraging word, being a friend

"Servility"-humbleness, serving one another, giving attitudes

Next it's time to get going...take action....learn how to commit, communicate, market ideas, and flourish! I think I can....I think I can....I think I can......

Surrounded by peeps of like mind

When you are surrounded by people who have the same values as you do, it is such a secure feeling. Trusting those around you to know you and like you for who you are speaks volumes. It allows us to be real. Pouring energy into and receiving energy from people who want to do better everyday is rejuvenating. We all have our down days too which is all the more reason to be surrounded by people who you trust to pick you back up, and set you on your way again.

This illustrates who "My Peeps" are in my life and those who will be in the future. I want to be these same things for my peeps as they are for me. It's not always easy but strength in numbers proves true when one is weak, the others are strong and won't leave anyone behind.

I am so blessed to have a family who cares so deeply for one another and believes in each other.

I have a wealth of those around me who are creative thinkers and are ready to take it to the next level.

One of the things I love most about my hubby is that he loves to go and do. That's our hobby....seeking out things to see....creating our own adventures.

I am really trying to be conscious about being these things and more for those around me.

I love you, my peeps!!