Final Blog Post On Blogger

Dear Reader,

This will be the final blog post on this platform. Don't be sad, it's all good! Nourish Create Bloom has moved to a beautiful new home. 

I'm cordially inviting you to check out the new digs. But please note: if you'd like to continue getting inspiration sent to your inbox, you will need to visit the new site and sign up. And while you are there, check out the blog post that I wrote just for you. 💗

www.NourishCreateBloom.com 

As always, I'm incredibly grateful for your readership and support. I look forward to our new beginning and hope you'll join me there!

With Lots of Gratitude, 

Kathianne

You Only Have to Bloom.

I found this quote today and wrote it in my art journal (along with a little doodle). 

Something inside me was pushing to post it on here too. 

So, who else besides me needed to hear this message today?

Transformation doesn't ask that you stop being you. 

It demands that you find a way back to the authenticity and strength

that's already inside of you. 

You only have to bloom.

-Cheryl Strayed

A Woman to Admire: Kristen Roedner

Dear Reader, I'm so excited for you to meet Kristen Roedner. Can't you just feel the sunshine she radiates from her being?

Kristen is one of the most LIVE OUT LOUD women I know. We met in Boston, circa 2002ish, through our sorority alumnae group. Delta Delta Delta, y'all!

Kristen hosts "Spread Sparkle" meetings at her home. It kills me that I live too far away to attend. She's been on me to start my own chapter.  I'll keep you posted if I do.

As I mentioned in a previous post, she drives a freakin' pink flying pig.

And there's a rainbow painted on the hood. Of course.

For the past two years, Beni and I spent the last week of summer break with her and her incredible daughter, Rosa Jane. The notes Kristen taped around her house for RJ made my heart melt. And made me excited to do the same once Beni can read.

Kristen's home is filled with art, art supplies, and inspiration.  I took the below photos last August. Two glittering reindeers and a flying pig Christmas tree are on display year round. Because they make her happy.

(Side note: I've never met anyone with more colored pencils than me. Her stash blew mine out of the water. I'm pretty sure I'd take her on ribbon and glitter though.)

But why all the pink flying pigs, you ask? She wrote an incredible blog post to explain her obsession. After you read it, you will know why I love her so much.

Kristen oozes sparkle and inspiration. And you want to know the craziest thing? She says I inspire her.

Oh My, Lucky Star!

Last March my spirited friend, Kristen Roedner (who's been rumored to poop rainbows), told me about a whole living art camp I just *had* to attend. Since I have the utmost confidence in her creative recommendations, I immediately signed up.

Now, fast forward to early this October when Kristen picked me up at the San Antonio airport in her pink flying pig. 

The two of us headed off on the backroads of the Texas Hill Country with the sun shining, top down, hats on, and me feeling like Thelma. Or Louise. Our destination: Lucky Start Art Camp. 

Lucky Star was a Texas-sized experience. I could write several blog posts about it, but since I've been a bit lax on the blogging lately, I'm going to cram it all into this one. I hope the magical essence of the experience shines through my words and photos. 

Look at this place! Lucky Star Art Camp was held at Waldemar, an all-girl's camp in continuous operation since 1926. 

I'm pretty sure my Waldemar cabin was built (and possibly decorated) in 1926. How I wish I had taken photos to show you! There was a kitschy Western cowboy mural on the wall over the fireplace. And kitschy Western cowboy comforters on the bunks. And kitschy Western cowboy curtains over the windows. I loved it all! Everyday as I stepped into my cowboy boots, this East Coast girl felt like a real Texan. (For the the first time, even though we moved to Dallas three years ago.)

While there were a variety of lodging options, I went for the full-camp experience and bunked with Kristen and four strangers, who I came to adore.  My cabinmates were an incredible mix of women: the famous novelist, the intuitive healer, the hilarious Jersey girl who once kissed Bradley Cooper, the super sweet and quiet Houston stay-at-home mama, Kristen, and me. Six of us in a small rustic cabin with one bathroom and four bunk beds. It could have been a disaster, but it was magic. We laughed, we cried, we stayed up late to talk. I felt like I was back in my sorority house. My cabinmates and the other women I met at camp were remarkable, creative, generous spirits who made my experience sparkle.

A wide array of classes were offered at camp: quilting, jewelry making, sewing, canning and preserving, cheese-making, photography, apothocary, intuitive healing, painting, creative writing, and more. It was hard to narrow down my choices, but I finally selected:

1. Happy Painting with Juliette Crane (held on the banks of the Guadalupe River!)

2. Dreambook by Shawn Stratmann, and 

3. How to Write a Children's Story by Katherine Center.

(BTW, I just finished her latest novel, The Lost Husband, and I highly recommend it.)

Besides our classes, we could hike and explore, paddleboard or canoe, swim, do yoga, or horseback riding. And the food! Fresh and local and healthy. But most of all, yummy.  We had incredible evening programs about slow family living, eating well for the planet, and dream setting. After evening program, we sat around the campfire and listened to Mandy Rowden sing and play her guitar. All that was missing was a round of kumbaya.

I really shouldn't complain about anything. Except that I'm a nature lover who would prefer to never see creepy crawlies. And two cabins down a tarantula was found outside. And scorpions frequent this part of Texas. And a frog got into our cabin one night. I am big-time bug phobic and would also prefer frogs stayed outside. Good thing I didn't see any of them, so I was still able to sleep. Braving the wild creatures of Texas was worth it, and I'm already signed up for Lucky Star next year.

***

And don't worry, Dear Reader, I know you want to hear more about my friend, Kristen, so a whole post on her is coming soon.)

10 Easy Steps to Regain Your Sparkle

I'm taking a brief break from the Women to Admire series, to bring you the following Public Sparkle Annoucement:

Several posts ago, I wrote about how the demands of motherhood dulled my sparkle as I put my self-care on the back seat. Since then, I've tackled the mama guilt head-on and I've been taking better care of myself. Operation Reclaim sPaRkLe is in full swing! And these suggestions can help you even if you don't have little energy suckers darling little children. So read on, my Sparkle Sisters, read on.

Here are ten quick and easy steps you can take to aid in your very own Operation Reclaim sPaRkLe.

1. Record the Happiest Moment of Your Day.
Keep a journal on your bedside table. Before turning out the lights, take 1-2 minutes to jot down your happiest moment of the day. You will end your day on a positive note and will soon have an incredible written record of what actually makes you happy. This can be an invaluable tool for future life planning!

2. Take a Bath.
It's good for the spirit and for an aching mama's body. Epsom salts, dead sea salts, and a few drops of essential oils can work magic.

3. Meditate While You Wait.
The next time you are waiting (in line, in traffic, or for someone) turn your attention to your breath. On your inhale say to yourself: receive. On your exhale, say: relaxation. Even a few breaths can make you feel more centered and relaxed.

4. Go For a Walk.
Take a walk outside. Exercise and nature are both powerful rejuvenators and sparkle generators.

5. Clear Clutter.
Clean out one drawer a day (or a week.) Too many things can be a drain on your energy. Let go of some clutter and clear up some space inside your home (and your head.) Sparkle space.

6. Send Some Love.
Write a postcard or a letter to someone you love, a "just because note." The sparkle you send out will come back to you. I promise.

7. Catch more ZZZ's.
Forget the laundry and the dishes and take a nap when your child naps. When my daughter refuses to nap, I have been known to lie on the floor and play "night night mama" while she puts a blanket on me over and over. If a nap isn't possible, go to bed earlier than usual. Sufficient sleep is critical for emotional and physical health.

8. Start with Intention.
Consider starting your day by setting an intention. (For example: Today I am going to focus my attention on how I spend my time. Throughout the day I will ask myself, is this activity adding to my sparkle or taking away from it?) A pack of affirmation cards or an inspirational quote book can be helpful starting points.

9. Add color.
Go buy yourself an adult coloring book and some new colored pencils. Yes, I'm serious. Creating is therapeutic and coloring is an act of meditation. I know I've said it before, but it's worth repeating.

10. Paint on Your Sparkle.
If all else fails, paint your toenails in pink sparkle polish. See if that doesn't make you smile. (I even painted my toddler's toes. Now she keeps asking for more "fockle polish." Hey, you have to teach them early about the importance of sparkling.) Everytime you see your fun toes, you will be reminded of the above nine steps and your own Operation Reclaim sPaRkLe goals.

***

Dear Readers, Please Take Note:
The above post was originally posted here on the Voices from the Ville blog. I wrote it in response to my previous post there- Commit to Sparkle this Month- Saying No to Self-Neglect. I'm super honored to be writing on this national parenting blog. Several of you have asked me for mommy blog recommendations. Well, I highly recomend this one. After all, they had the good judgement to include me on their list of esteemed writers. (Smile, I'm joking. Sorta.)

PS: I know sorta isn't a "real" word.

A Woman to Admire: Laura Scholz

Dear Readers, 
This summer I will be writing a short series of posts entitled Women to Admire. Here is the first one:

I am incredibly honored to introduce you to my friend, Laura Scholz. While I admire Laura for many reasons, here are just a few:

1. She started her own company, Scholz Communications. (It takes big ovaries to leave a reliable income for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship! Sisters, give the girl some snaps.)

2. While successfully managing her biz, she decided to follow her passion and get certified to teach Pilates. Anyone who follows her passions, is a winner in my book. And so is anyone who is working towards balance. And, while I'm at it, so is anyone who pieces together an income doing too many things to count.

3. Laura gives back. She's run approximately 7,000 miles for charity (in under 6 years!), earning money to further worthwhile causes. She's also speedy, frequently placing in the top three of her age group at local races.

*4. Most of all, I admire how she wears her heart on her sleeve. Read her vulnerable blog post Rape is Rape. Period. It's raw. It's powerful. And it's an important read. After you read it, I dare you to tell me you don't admire her too. 

*

Stay tuned for the next post, when I profile another inspirational and couragous woman. Until then, please tell me: Who do you admire and why?

Cut and Paste Therapy

Readers, get out your glue sticks. 

It's time for some therapy.

I've written about the meditative benefits of coloring in the past, 

and making collages works just as well. 

Creating in my art journal is an important part of Operation Reclaim sPaRkLe. 

So after I put my daughter to bed, I grab my glue, plop down on the floor, and get busy.

These are the collages I created this week using only a glue stick, 

Anthropologie catalogs, and my church program. 

Many of you told me you need to reclaim your sparkle too.

So now it's your turn. 

Go ahead, Readers. There's no shame. Get into therapy!

Special thanks to Artsyville, for inspiring me to dig out my glue sticks and go for it.

Big Dreamer

Every great dream begins with a dreamer.

 Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, 

and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. 

-Harriet Tubman

My daughter is a big dreamer.

I pray that I will always lift her up and won't ever crush her spirit.

She inspires me to keep reaching.
It's incredible how much I'm learning 
from someone who isn't even two years old.

*

What have you learned from a little one in your life?

My Big Day with Oprah

Anyone who knows me well knows I *LOVE* Oprah. She inspires me to be a better person. And bloom. So after 6 or so years of trying to get tickets to her show, I was beyond excited when I finally won the Oprah.com ticket lottery. My mother-in-law had the misfortune of being next to me when I opened the email. Poor Miss Gwen may now be slightly deaf in one ear.

Looking back on my big day with Oprah, I realize it was a lot like another other incredible day in my life- my wedding day. Here are 12 ways how:

1. I dreamt about it for years. (When she decided to end The Oprah Winfrey Show, I thought my dream would never come true. Luckily, Oprah's Lifeclass on OWN- The Oprah Winfrey Network- sometimes has a live studio audience.)

2. The few weeks leading up to the big day, I was so excited I felt like I could have burst!

3. And there was that big question- what to wear? We were instructed to wear bright colors. No white, beige, or black. I choose a green Diane von Furstenberg dress. Green is Oprah's favorite color.

4. My best friend, Julia (who seven years ago was my matron of honor), was again by my side. And since the producers encouraged us to text, tweet, and post on Facebook during the taping, my sister (and maid of honor), Marilee, and my hubby were virtually present. They were both texting me and Marilee was watching the show live via Oprah.com.  BTW-she saw me twice.

5. I felt like a VIP. Oprah must have heard I was a big fan, because somehow Julia and I scored pink wristbands. We had no idea what they meant at first, but I sure felt special having one. As it turns out, the pink wristbands allowed us access to the orchestra level. Score! And on top of that, by some miracle, we ended up in the first row, stage right!  (Maybe it was the strict timeline I made Julia adhere to so we could get there extra early.)

6. Just like at my wedding, I was overcome with emotion. The moment I saw Oprah walk out on the stage, a crazy person came out of me. 

I was jumping up and down and screaming and waving and screaming and jumping and waving. (Julia thought I might have flashed my backside to the row behind us. Jumping wasn't something I considered when I chose to wear a dress.) Even a production crew member commented on my enthusiasm and joked that I was already on Youtube. Oh my. I'm hoping if I embarrassed myself it wasn't caught on camera. I'll have to wait and see when the show airs in 2013.

See the two women in red tops and white pants in the front row on the right?
That's me, in the green dress next to them.

7. While I was in Houston for the taping, I was fully aware that it was a magical experience for me. I was living in the moment.

8. It was worth the wait.

9. That night I was physically and emotionally drained. So much excitement in one day.

10. The day after the taping, I had an afterglow. And then there was a day of the post-wedding blues- the emotional let-down that sometimes follows such a highly anticipated event. It was over.

11. But I'll always have memories of my big day.

12. And I checked off one more item on my life list.



_____________
Note: More on the the episode topic, Finding Your Life's Purpose, and the amazing Oprah's Lifeclass guests in my next post.

The Right Friends

"While the right friends are near us, we feel that all is well.  Our everyday life blossoms suddenly into bright possibilities."  Helen Keller


I am blessed with many "right friends."  But today I want to send a special shout-out to my dear friend Reem.  I haven't seen her in about two years, but that doesn't matter- I can feel her friendship despite the time and distance.  When I lost my only pregnancy, she sent homemade cookies.  Reem had her mother, who lives in Palestine, light a candle and say a special prayer for me and our future baby in an ancient church in the Holy Land.  When IVF failed us, she sent a ceramic angel to watch over me.  Recently, she mailed me a hot pink book entitled, "Bloom."  It's filled with wonderful quotes like the one above, that inspire us to bloom.  I look forward to sharing more of them with you.  And I love the idea that her act of kindness will go through me and inspire you as well.  

Thanks Reem.  You've been the right friend for the past 14 years.  Girl, your friendship keeps me blooming.

The First Ever Nourish. Create. Bloom. Giveaway!

Are you feeling lucky?  I hope so because one lovely NCB reader will win a $70 gift certificate to 200+ CSN Stores!  

I've been scouring the CSN sites and here are a few items on my wish list for our new Dallas home: retro kitchen tables, luxury bedding, colorful throw pillows, and a stainless steel cookware set.  I'm sure you will find something (maybe shoes, bags, or yoga supplies?) that will make your home or closet bloom!

It's easy breezy to enter: All you need to do is write a comment by midnight (EST) September 6th.  The comment needs to be ON THE BLOG (not on Facebook or via email).  The winner will then be announced shortly after the contest closes.  Be sure to check back to see if you are the lucky winner!

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Note:  The gift certificate does not include shipping costs but many items in the stores have free shipping.
And last but not least: a big thanks to CSN Stores for sponsoring our giveaway!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

A few weeks ago, when I was stopped in traffic, 

I looked left and saw this:

In a rough neighborhood,

in an abandoned lot,

on a graffitied wall.

from an old pipe,

this little pink flower moved me.

With an upcoming relocation on my mind, it's presence reminded me:

It doesn't matter where you are planted.  Just bloom.

Happy June

Happy June Dear Readers!  

We just celebrated the unofficial start of summer.
I am a happy camper.  

Welcome sunshine and long hot days.  

Iced tea, lemonade, and popsicles
 (made with 100% fruit juice, of course).  

Hello to sundresses and sandals, 
seasonal fruits and vegetables, 

and collecting shells along the shore.  

Most of all dear readers, 
I wish you lots and lots of blooms.  

Just be sure to stop and smell them too!

Welcome Spring!

Today we celebrate the first day of Spring!  

Welcome birds, butterflies, and buds bursting into bloom.

(How's that for alliteration?)

Gratitude

Today I am thankful for....

• blooming crepe myrtle trees and fragrant magnolias (we didn't have these in Boston!)
• sundresses and sandals
• sunshine and summertime
• fluffy white clouds in a baby blue sky
• fresh cherries and my associated childhood memories of cherry picking
• the people who read my blog (that's YOU!) And to those who leave comments, you put me over the top with gratitude. If you only knew how excited I get each time I read one of those precious comments!

As you go about your day today, pause and take a moment to notice all the things and people you are grateful for. I promise this simple task will enhance your day and double your happiness.

A Quote To Inspire

Don't ask yourself what what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

-Harold Whitman

Independence Day

On July 4th, 2001, I walked into a bar and my life changed forever.

Some may call it ironic that I met my future "ball and chain" on Independence Day. I think the irony is that in the 8 years we've been together, I've discovered and gained the confidence to be my authentic individual self. He accepts me just as I am (and I sadly confess that this is not always reciprocal). He nourishes my artistic self and believes in me. I came into my own because of his unconditional love and acceptance.

Everyone deserves someone who can believe in them before they can believe in themselves. Everyone deserves someone who can see them. Really see them. And love them in spite of it. Love them because of it.

Because of him, I found the liberty to be myself. And bloom.

Nourishing Rituals

What do you do everyday without fail?  Brush your teeth?  Wash your face?  Check your email?  Drink a cup of coffee?  These are things that many of us do without thought and without question.  No matter how busy our lives became, we would still do them.  Personally, I would never go to bed without washing my face and applying pimple cream.  Never ever ever.  (If you’ve had chronic acne, I know you understand.)  And I can’t sleep without reading a few pages of my latest library find.  Reading is my sleeping pill and has become a nourishing ritual for me.  

What is a nourishing ritual, you ask?  Well, think of it as hygiene for your soul.  Most religions understand the importance of ritual as a way to get connected with your spirit.  They can also help to manage stress and add balance to your life.  

Here are a few of my favorite nourishing rituals:  sipping hot tea in the evening, writing down my happiest moment of the day in my bedside journal, getting a kiss from my husband before he leaves for work in the morning, buying $3.99 sweetheart roses at Trader Joe's each week, and doing something creative and crafty.

If you aren’t feeling nurtured and centered, consider adding a nourishing ritual or two to your routine.   They can be done weekly or daily, can take less than a few minutes, and can have significant soul soothing effects.  If you want to create the life of your dreams, you need nourishing rituals.  They help you bloom.  

Try these nourishing rituals on for size: taking a warm bath, meditating or praying, journaling, sending letters to friends, knitting, doing self-care activities like painting your toenails, getting a massage,  practicing yoga or tai chi, sewing, cooking, going for a walk, taking photographs, creating or listening to music, spending time in nature, or bonding with your pet.  

What nourishing rituals do you practice?  Please share your ideas with our community so we can all learn from each other.

A New Day

The last few blog posts have been about hope, serendipity, and finding meaning in life’s challenges.  They have been deeply personal.  I wrote from the heart and right or wrong, that was where I was at the time.  I have had some doubts about sharing my inner thoughts and vulnerabilities with the world.  But, in the last few days I have also been lifted by the kind words of people who found my blog posts.  They let me know I was not alone.  Some of them had similar experiences.  I felt closer to them all.  It seems to me, the more guarded we all are, the less connection we have with each other.  

Although, perhaps I need to guard myself more.  

Either way, I don’t want this blog to be just about me and my experiences.  I want it to be about women lifting each other up.  Women coming together in a community to nourish themselves, create the life of their dreams, and bloom into their best selves.  

So, it’s a new day here at Nourish. Create. Bloom.  We’re moving forward and taking these past few days of experience with us; to help us grow as individuals and also to help us grow closer together as a community.  We’re learning from our own experiences and those of others.  It’s hard to nourish, create, or bloom in isolation- and not nearly as fun.

Come Bloom Along with Me

As I mentioned in blog entry numero uno, I’m going to use this blog to get you thinking about how you nourish yourself.  I’ll give you tips and have guest bloggers share their wisdom as well.  I plan to make this blog as inspirational and motivational as possible.  We’ll get crafty on occasion too so get your colored pencils, scissors, and glue sticks ready!  I love quotes and questions so I’ll be providing those to challenge you to examine your relationship with food, your body, and your self.  

Come bloom along with me, the best is yet to be.