BunnyKissd

Recently I took part in International Soul Art® Day with Laura Hollick and I thought I'd share it with you all.

First, there was a worksheet that gave 5 steps to prepare for Soul Art Day:

1. Start dreaming, write about the transformations you want to experience in your life.  I want my life to feel more peaceful, more safe and secure, more prosperous and comfortable. I want to be confident, comfortable, and secure in my body, as it is now, and on the path to health and wellness.  I want my relationships to be smooth and fulfilling, filled with laughter and love.  I want my business to grow, branch out to new people and places, new opportunities to become more prosperous and support the family.



2. Mark your calendar.  Yup, I did that!



3. Gather your supplies.  I gather a piece of poster board, glue sticks, magazines, scissors, and crayons.



4. Decide whether to do it solo or in a group.  I chose solo, but maybe next year I'll invite Jacqueline and/or the girls.



5. Make it sacred.  Done.

1. I would increase amount of our income.


2. I would make eating healthy and getting exercise easier & more fun.


3. I would be fearless in my interactions with others.

1. Art


2. Rabbits Animals


3. Magic


4. Mermaids Water


5. Prosperity

1. Free


2. Silly


3. Shining


4. Soothing


5. Indulgence

I've been taking daily photos based on Vivienne's prompts, but haven't been able to share all week until now!  So without any further ado, here are my self-portraits for May 5th through 9th.

May 5th
...pick one part of your body as inspiration and tell a story that feels positive to you... Share something you feel proud of or feel positive about.

Yesterday was a busy day here at Faerie Gardens!  Jacqueline & I went out lawn mower shopping and then of course spent some time putting it together and playing with it; and then we went out to dinner - an unexpected treat!  However it was quite late by the time I got around to thoroughly reading my emails and finding the Be Your Own Muse prompt:

"...let's let the sillies out, let's be playful be it in our expressions, our movements or the props we use to help us with this fun task!"

What is really funny is that I had actually already taken some self-portraits that fit the prompt!  You see, I got a great deal at Sally Beauty Supply (I know, not where one finds by lawn mowers, but it was Right. Next. Door!) on a very Lisa Frank-esque fashion set: a bag, scarf, and sunglasses featuring black leopard spots on a rainbow ombré background.  I ♥ it so much!

But let's be real.

I can't wear sunglasses.  -_-  Haven't been able to since I got glasses when I was 10.  I finally broke down and got some clip-ons (omg I've become my mom XD ) from the eye place last time I got glasses though, but they are no where near as cool as these:

So many blog post bubbling up in my head, and backlogged in my drafts....  Whee!  I feel like my brain is running so fast, my fingers can barely keep up!

Anyway, let's just take a break for a moment.  *deepbreath*  Ah, yes, that's better...

First, I am doing 2 things this month.  The first is related to my business, Faerie Garden Fancies, and the second focuses on me, with emphasis on play & self-care.

First, I will be taking part in Leslie Saeta's "30 Marketing Ideas in 30 Days" Challenge.  Day One (form an Artist-Mentoring Group) was a cinch, as I am already a member of a lovely group of artists on facebook, and in fact, had discovered the challenge there!  Day Two was to find an old painting, still for sale, and share it!  And so here it is!

So let's talk about anxiety & depression.

Depression & anxiety.

Not happy topics.

No fuzzy bunnies involved.

I've been debating making this post for a long time, but thought it was better to hide it. No point in dwelling on the negative, and no one wants to read about it anyway.

But I changed my mind.

There's an estimated 1 in 10 adults with depression in the US, and of those, nearly 1/2 are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. That means that there are probably about 12 people who read this blog who are dealing with depression, and 5 or 6 who have anxiety as well.

Well this post is for them.

And for those reading who have a friend or family member dealing with depression or anxiety. (And if you've got 9 of those, one of them probably is...)

And for myself.

-------------------------------------

We all know the symptoms, right? You've all seen the late night commercials or the ads in magazines for the various antidepressants...

Do you suffer from feelings of guilt or worthlessness? Persistent sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness?

Do you feel anxious or empty? Unable to enjoy the things you used to?

Blah blah blah... Just take this drug & be magically healed!

• Tell those voices to stop. Stop stressing (if you're starting to get anxious), stop putting you down (if you're starting to be too negative), stop because it's not true (whatever your head is saying). If saying stop in your head doesn't work, do it out loud.


• Physically move. Stand up if you're sitting, sit down if you're standing. Lie down. Stretch. Roll your shoulders. Take a walk to the restroom, or to get a drink. Just move your body & concentrate on that.


• Take a walk. This goes with the previous one. Even in the winter, just going out to get the mail at the end of our driveway is enough to change my mood. Breathe the air, feel the wind, hear the sounds of life going on around you. (It's not that bad!)


• Put on some music. Something upbeat that you like. No depressing stuff! You can find something appropriate in any genre of music, so find something you like that makes you feel good. Even make a playlist to put on to drown out those voices.


• Dance! Combine the music with the moving. You don't have to move like Grace Kelly or Beyoncé. Wiggle your butt, flail your arms, shake your shoulders.... Just move your body in a manner that makes you happy!


• Take a bath or shower. Clean the voices out of your head the same way you clean your body. Scrub-a-dub-dub! Let the water relax you and wash all the negative right down the drain.


• Find a funny website. Bookmark it, and visit it when you need a laugh. Funny videos, hilarious auto-corrects, adorable animals... whatever makes you LOL for reals, that's the place to go when you need a mental realignment.


• Cuddle your kitty. Or your dog. Or your bunny. Or spend some quality time with your goldfish. Or even have a chat with your chia plant! Connecting with another living thing can help get you out of your own head.


• Phone a friend. Use that life line! I know for me this is a really hard thing. Maybe the phone isn't for you either. So instead, try an online chat or text via your cell phone. Just find someone who can listen non-judgmentally, someone you can vent to without having to worry about them trying to fix it or you, just someone to help lift your spirits.


• Get a hug. Another hard one sometimes. Especially if you're at work, or live alone. But if you can find someone who you can approach and say, I need a hug, and get one. Then do it. It's been scientifically proven to help!

• Exercise! Yuck. That's the first thing I think when someone says that. But guess what? It doesn't have to be yucky. All it has to be is you moving your body in a way that makes you happy. It doesn't have to be hard. Click here to read what the Mayo Clinic has to say about depression & anxiety and exercise.


• Watch your diet! Another yucky one. I feel restricted and resentful and want to eat a whole carton of ice cream just thinking about it. But again, we're not talking strict calorie counting or anything. Just pay attention to it. There is some evidence to support the claims that diets high in simple sugars or caffeine can increase depression & anxiety. I know for myself, when I have a day when I eat things like pasta, rice, bread, desserts, chips, and other refined carbs, I feel more tired and lethargic, and have a lot of aches and pains the next day. It's worth it for me to reduce how many and how often I eat carbs. Also, make sure you're getting all the right nutrients from a wide variety of foods to keep your mind & body working to the best of it's ability!


• Sleep. Yes, it really does matter. Not getting enough sleep makes everyone miserable, depressed or not. Try to keep a regular schedule of 7-9 hours of sleep, even on weekends, or if you work from home (or are retired). One that works with your natural body clock is best. Sleeping from 11pm - 6am is just as good as sleeping from 3am - noon if that's how your body likes it.


• Be social! This is another one that can cause a lot of anxiety, but finding people to connect with is one of the most effective ways to keep depression & anxiety at bay. Being depressed and anxious can make you feel isolated, which only gets worse the less you interact with others. They don't have to know you're depressed or anxious, just have a conversation. Say hi as you pass on the street or in the supermarket. Call a friend. Compliment a coworker on their outfit. And don't forget to smile! (Just that alone is said to improve your mood.)


• Keep busy. Feeling productive is another great way to improve your mood. Wandering aimlessly through life can leave you feeling frustrated and uneasy. Create a routine of daily activities, or choose an achievable goal to pursue to help give your life direction and focus. I know for myself, day after day of not doing anything leads to some depression, and makes me even more anxious when it's time to get back out there and *do* things.


• Keep a journal. This does not have to be an online public blog. This could be one of those fancy hardcover blank books you can buy at bookstores, or a creative handmade one from Etsy. You can buy a notebook from the dollar store or even looseleaf paper, and you can handwrite it. Or you can create a private online journal or download some journal software if typing is more your speed. From what I understand you can even get one on your smartphone! The point is to get the thoughts out of your head.


• Be Yourself! OMG HARD ONE! But so true. Don't compare your life to anyone else's. And don't try to live anyone else's life. Doing what someone else says you should do, or being someone you aren't, is a great way to feel like a miserable failure. Make sure you're not letting someone else run your life for you, and that *YOU* are in charge of yourself. If you're finding people in your life who have too much of a negative influence on you, and what you do, then limit your contact with them.


• Relax! Lots of times we get caught up in really strict thinking; we put all these rules, shoulds and musts, on ourselves & others, and leave no room for wiggles. Things are black or white; no other color. And when we fail to live up to those rules, or when a friend doesn't, or when life in general doesn't, we feel guilty or anxious, angry or frustrated. It's better to relax our way of thinking and how we see things, so we don't get so stressed about things. You ate too many cookies when you were feeling sad earlier? It's ok. You're not bad, just a mistake, move on. Your spouse forgot your anniversary? That sucks, but they love you enough to still be there, and I am sure they didn't do it to hurt you. Remember to pause & then think outside the box!


• Meditate. Most people think meditation is all about clearing your mind. Letting go of all thoughts, and becoming one with the Universe. Well, that is something that I personally can't do. Thoughts, they keep bubbling back up! And I follow them, one after another, down the rabbit hole! But that's ok. Because that's what everyone goes through. The way to meditate effectively is to focus on one thing, a phrase, a visual focus, your breath, and just Be Present. Yes thoughts may bubble up, but return your focus to that one thing. Just taking a few deep breaths can be a quick meditation to reduce anxiety and ease depression enough to think clearer.


• Seek help. If you really feel you're in too deep and are thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Ask your doctor if medicine or therapy could help.
  
  If things have reached a crisis level, call 911 or visit your local ER, or try one of these methods...
  
  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline - 1-800-273-TALK
  
  
  • United Way Helpline - 1-800-233-HELP
  
  
  • The Trevor Helpline (for LGBT questions or problems) - 1-800-850-8078
  
  
  • Lifeline Crisis Chat - http://www.crisischat.org/
  
  
  • IMAlive - https://www.imalive.org/

This week's prompt: TRAIN

I have been going through the files of images on my computer, and wasn't going to use these, but I *really* want to share them, and count them in my 365+ Rabbits; so I am!

On the 29th & 30th I did a TON of creative & crafty stuff, including baking, making candy, decorating eggs, and even drawing!  Well, the drawing was kinda sucky, IMHO but I shall share nonetheless!

Buns.... get it...???  XD Ha ha ha!

Oh yesh random art is random!  Here are two pieces I've completed recently...

First, a little door hanger for when I need some quiet & privacy.  ^-^ 

Some rabbits from March!  More to come...

03-19-13: Always wear your invisible crown... Has anyone seen mine?

This took far too long to color!  But I am so happy with how it came out!  ^-^

I know I am still behind on posting art, but I wanted to get *something* up for you all to see... How about my fabu nails for tomorrow?  ^o^

• Pass one French lesson on Duolingo and Memrise each every day
  Lots of learning here!  On to Time on Duolingo and up to 45 verbs on Memrise...


• Create each day
  First, some shrink plastic art I made the other day (3-28).  They were pre-printed and I just colored, but it was fun... ^-^
  
  Click to embiggen...
  And here are my nails for Easter!  ^o^  I even managed to find a Birthday Cake Peep to pose with!  XD
  
  Click to embiggen...
  Left & right hands are mirrored from pinkie to thumb:
  ~ Sinful Colors (SC) Cinderella over My Lifesaver by Nicole by OPI with a *touch* of China Glaze (CG) Fairy Dust on the tips
  ~ CG Spontaneous background with bunny in Sally Girl (SG) Pure, SC Pinkie Glitter, and that unmarked shimmery brown I have...
  ~ Revlon Girly over Sally Hansen Heart of Stone
  ~ Finger Paints Twisted over SG Orange (the smelly one from last spring)
  ~ SG Over U and CG Fairy Dustover CG Lemon Fizz
  

Today's prompt: egg.

The Full Worm Moon asks:

I am the Rain, the Bringer of Life
I bring the moisture and ease all strife
I sooth the Earth -- I quench Her thirst
I nudge the seeds gently awake so they burst
Into full germination so they can sprout
I cleanse the Earth within and without
But that isn't all; I give so much more
I cleanse the spirit from aura to core
I inspire and unblock creativity flow
And bring physical energy to all I know
Mine is true happiness and pure delight
I bring the rainbow back in the Light

Haven't done my French yet today, but I wanted to get these scanned & up for you before I run out of time...^-^

Create each day
3-14-13: Love how this one came out!  ^-^

I've already caught you up on my French today... here's another drawing scanned from the past few weeks...

• Create each day
  I really need to work more on faces; I have a tendency to shorten the nose...  This one was at an angle but the face is still too short...  I might make a color version of this someday...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  

This is also for my Daily Dare to Create One Thing Every Day, for Friday, March 22, 2013...

Illustration Friday's Prompt: Swim.

This dude needs a background...

Hehehehe...  Time for a Ketchup Post!  XD

• Pass one French lesson on Duolingo and Memrise each every day
  I've been slowing down on these, life's been busy and even though I've been working through a lesson every day, I've not been passing them even after 5 or 6 tries.  But since you only get to make 3 mistakes before the lesson restarts, I figured I got through all the questions correctly at least once...  LOL!


• Create each day
  Bunnies!  I'm about a week behind and haven't finished some, but I thought I'd post the ones I have completed...
  
  From 3-10-13...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  
  From 3-11-13; love this one's expression...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  
  From 3-12-13; trying to find a basic shape to build off of for a tribal tattoo...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  

This cold is progressing and befuddling my brain quite nicely.

• Pass one French lesson on Duolingo and Memrise each every day
  These lessons are most difficult to do.  I keep making typos and mistakes over & over and since I haven't been able to get through the lessons without making at minimum 3 mistakes, I've been redoing them over & over til I am too frustrated to continue.


• Create each day
  This is from last night, today's isn't quite finished...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  Also submitted to Illustration Friday!  ^-^

I have caught the illness that swept through the house last week.  It seems like everyone got it and has had it forEVER, and now that they're healing up, it's my turn... -_-  Bleh.  I am behind on my creating, but up-to-date on my French, and catching up on the others...

• Pass one French lesson on Duolingo and Memrise each every day
  I actually made myself a notebook finally; so hopefully I retain more as I go along...


• Create each day
  Here are some completed recent rabbits!  The first was started on the 7th:
  
  Click to embiggen...
  The back features the word Lepus in silver, and the constellation again in glow-in-the-dark paint....
  
  And this one was started on the 8th:
  
  Click to embiggen...
  The back has the phrase, "find the magic" on vellum decoupaged with more glitter, and the edge is a pastel rainbow... ^_^
  
  And both are available now at Faerie Garden Fancies!

Crazy weekend, and I feel really discombobulated, disorganized, and disconnected...

Since this is the beginning of the 2nd week, I should recap my weekly dares, and see how we did...

• Make 4 phone calls, 2 scheduled, 2 random:
  Wow.  Epic fail.  None.  Not one.  Thanks to a comment left by acelightning, I've been ferreting out the reasons for my fears, but still need to push past them.


• Apply for 4 job, 3 school districts, 1 other:
  Oh yes, another fail.  I kept putting it off, and boom. Suddenly weekend of chaos and omg a new week! before I could blink it felt like...  I believe I will need to go back to having a sort of a list telling me wha needs doing each day...

• Pass one French lesson on Duolingo and Memrise each every day
  Wow, I have no idea how I managed to do it, but I did!  Two French lessons each day!  o.O  Got them done early in the morning Saturday, and Sunday night, half dead, it took me soooo many tries!  Today took lots of tries too.  I think it's best when I work in the morning, instead of waiting until the evening; also, I *really* should get out that notebook!


• Create each day
  On Saturday night we were away from home babysitting the grandbabies until very late, and this little sketch was done with a squirmy little girl who did *not* want to go bed resting on my lap...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  Nothing completed on Sunday, but I did get to work on *some* drawing & painting...
  
  Click to embiggen...
  And today I slept late, stayed in my PJs, and generally tried to rest & recover from the hectic weekend, but I did more painting and tomorrow should have both completed!  ^-^
  
  Click to embiggen...