Update.

I've got to try to blog more.  I probably won't...but I can at least try.

Okay, first things first...if you live in San Diego and plan on visiting the San Diego (aka Del Mar) Fair, go check out the Fine Art Exhibit, because...I have a piece on display!  Yes, my little Bumble Bee Girl was selected out of hundreds and hundreds of entries to hang out with some seriously fantastic art by some immensely talented artists from San Diego.  I am humbled, and honored to be among so much talent.  She'll be there until July 6th, so go take a peek if you can!

My Dad accompanied me to the Fine Art Reception, and we had a wonderful time.

I believe the Lord is calling me to focus more on my art, which is a talent He has given me.  I'm excited to embrace a new season in my life, one which will allow for more time to spend with my art and hopefully make the transition into private sales and galleries...there are a number of galleries I am looking into for portfolio submissions, most of which are in LA and San Francisco, so I'll keep my readers posted as I move along.

Want to see an acrylic work in progress?

I finished her recently (acrylic on canvas, 16x20") and am working on her companion piece.  Just in case you were wondering how some of my art begins.

I have more stuff to share, but I think I've rambled enough for one post, so I'll check in later!

The Journey Continues...

Hi folks!  It occurred to me that I haven't posted any updates about the big ol' weight loss journey, mostly because I haven't had many thoughts about it...at least, not very encouraging thoughts to share...

In August, I went on a hike and a beach run, and for a few days afterward I could barely walk due to an intense pain in my left foot.  I went to the doctor and found out I had tendinitis, and the start of a heel spur.  I was given a boot for walking so my foot could be stabilized while it healed, and I was told to stop running for a couple of months.

I enjoy running, and I really love setting goals for myself, such as time and distance.  So, on that day I went for my beach run, I knew I had come a long way in my running goals, and when I got hurt, it derailed me physically and mentally.  I was incredibly disappointed, and being on my foot all day at work with the constant pain was like a continual reminder that I had reached a hurdle in my journey.  I was in a slump, but once the two month mark was over, I got myself back to the gym and focused on other 'foot friendly' activities, like weights and bike riding.

I started 'running' again in January, and had to start from the beginning.  Slow speed, short distances, and just trying to feel happy for whatever I accomplished.  I set new goals, and just took my time.

Now, I take a kickboxing class, I try to factor in weight training regularly, and I am finally back to running longer distances (well, only up to 3.25 miles, but still).  My weight never actually moved during my time off, which I am thankful for, but now I am determined to see the scale continue to drop, and even more than that, I can visibly see changes in my body.

Sometimes, I feel like there aren't any changes...until I unearth old photographs and compare them to the here and now...tonight I found this picture, taken in San Francisco, in 2008.  The picture on the right was taken in November 2013.  It's still horrifying to see the 'before' pictures, but they help me really open my eyes and see...they are the reminders that I need sometimes, not only to press on, but to reflect and see where I've come from.  And to be excited about where I am going...

Friends. (Pt. 2)

Hello!  I have a sequel to my friends post, one which I intended on writing way back in the summer...which makes it more of a prequel...

Anyways, these ladies here in the picture have been in my life since childhood.  The friendships mentioned in the original post have been forged in adulthood, but there is something unique about maintaining friendships that have managed to withstand the painful adolescent years, early adulthood flux, and have settled into mature, permanent relationships.

In fact, many of the friends I had as a child I don't really keep in contact with, just because life shifts, and time moves on, and so the story goes.  I cherish them nonetheless.  

These girls and I reconnected (officially) this past summer, and it was like being a carefree youthful girl again, reminiscing with my friends about the old days, talking about the future.  It was like not a day had passed by, though it had been years since we all had an opportunity to finally find time to spend together in person, not just via Facebook.  

These girls, whom I adore.  I've known one since elementary school, the other since high school.  Oh, the days spent building backyard forts, tea parties, slumber parties, singing in the chorus of high school plays, dances, graduations...these girls were there.  

And I am so thankful they were, and still continue to be. They are wonderful, Godly women.  Kind, beautiful, funny, generous...

I thank God for them, for our pasts that He has woven together into the present, and I am sure will continue into the future.  Have a beautiful, blessed day, friends!  Love you ladies!