Home ~ where the heart is!

One of my biggest challenges with this site has been a concern about the importance of what I have to say and whether or not my world resonates with others, and unfortunately my feelings of doubt have succeeded more often than my commitment to my craft.

I have closed the door on that phase today and I think I have a sense of focus and what I want to communicate with this little corner of the cyber world - all things Cleveland! Not your usual news or puff pieces the parts of this metropolis that strike me as interesting, challenging, wonderful and oh so Cleveland!

To start off I'm going to share a recent skyline shot and my take on a tardy Beyond Layers assignment Fun With Type.


I hope you enjoy and come back frequently! If you feel so moved, please leave a comment!

Having a little fun with text!

What a beautiful day in the LAND!

Jumping back on the horse!

In less than twenty-four hours I will begin a new course aimed at assisting me with finding my voice for this site.  Reflection of You comes from the creative vision of Kim Klassen and Xanthe Berkeley two awesome visionaries who work at sharing their craft with the masses.

I'm very familiar with Kim, but I have only lurked from time to time on Xanthe's site. What I found really intriguing about Xanthe is her willingness to open her life to the world through Creating Time Capsules. When you drop by the page you are offered a glimpse into 'A Day in the Life' - and that to me is a testament to her willingness to help others grow.

I can't imagine offering so many complete strangers a glimpse into my day, but who knows maybe I'll learn to shed a layer of my mask in this new course.

While I know that Kim has taken Xanthe's course I have not seen her film, but through the written word she has opened her heart and soul to many on her site - and wow does she do it in such an unassuming way! The stories are very real, full of passion but not intimate details.

Oh wow, hold on I just had an 'aha' moment! As a writer I know that it is often hard to write about your life while in the throes of it, but if I look at it from a creative perspective maybe it will be a little easier. Uhmm...not sure, but we'll see over the next several weeks.

In preparation for tomorrow, I'm posting a photo from my Beyond Layers class, albeit late, but as the title says 'I'm jumping back on the horse'!

Yea! Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap is Back!!!

Wow, it has been a over a month since I shared any news with you and I apologize for the lapse in time. Today I'm stopping by to share with you the news that the Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap is back for 2012!

I am beyond excited about this and can't wait to begin sorting through the many shots I have taken this year to choose the art I will set free and share with the many participants.

For those unfamiliar, the Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap comes from the creative treasure trove of photographer, blogger and instructor Kat Sloma. Kat is such an inspiration to photogs around the globe, with her inspiring courses and her true belief that what each of us creates is a form of art, and that we must embrace it and share it with the universe.

I'm feeling pretty good about some of the shots I will be able to share this year because I can definitely see growth in my work.

To learn more about the Swap, click here and join the fun - It is Liberating!

Samples of the Art I received last year.

Signs of Spring

A true sign of spring - Robin nesting.

It's been a little while since I have posted here, but as usual work has gotten into the way of "life"! I plan to resume my more frequent posting schedule next week, but I had to share this little beauty today.

Before going to lunch this afternoon I captured this shot of a mother Robin nesting! This is definitely a sign of spring!

Hope you have had an enjoyable day! See you back here soon!

Why Do You Create?

So the question is fairly simple, what is the driving force behind your creations? Are you seeking approval, joy, accolades, or do you love what you do?

I'm sure that is something we have all grappled with a time or two, and I was reminded of this today over at "Beyond Layers" when Kim Klassen our guide recounted some awesome feedback she received on some of her work featured on Flickr. That's a good thing right? Well of course it is, that is until you begin to base your work on accolades, positive feedback and how you can outdo the last piece in order to receive more praise.

Now I don't believe praise is wrong, and neither does Klassen, but the key to your creative spirit should be what makes you as an artist happy. It may not always be the best or receive the most praise but at its core it is a piece of you - your creation!

I'm paraphrasing, but Kim questioned if we (artists) found ourselves constantly checking for new comments on our work, and basing our creations on the thoughts of others? Well I didn't have to think about it because I know the sense of elation I have each time I receive comments on my photos. I feel validated in some way, but also I feel inspired. The support and camaraderie I have found on the internet really helps to fuel my creative spirit, but I haven't always had this platform - nor have many of us.

The one area I continue to struggle with is with my writing. It is always difficult to start a new piece and see it through to the end, because I have demons or little minions telling me it is not good enough. This is a battle I fight regularly, but I also seek out support in the form of writing groups. Here I am seeking more guidance and constructive criticism over praise. I don't want to hear all praise without a suggestion for improvement, but ultimately I think that's what we are all looking for when we open our souls and share our creations with the world.

So here's to less obsession over positive comments and a shout out seeking constructive criticism that can guide us to higher levels of creativity.

So why do you create???

 Now, I'll share some of my latest creations - Enjoy!

Continuing Color Week at Beyond Layers

Loving My IPhone

I recently made the decision to upgrade my phone to the highly popular IPhone, and I must say I'm very pleased.

As I think about the positives, the biggest is the battery life. In comparison to my old phone this is an LED bulb versus a cheap incandescent!

However, I am driven to write this post because of the "Goodreads" app! It is awesome !!! I immediately started scanning books, and thinking about how I can now get an accurate account of my library!

Don't you just love it when little things bring you joy?!

Color Week @ Beyond Layers

As most of the U.S. basks in an early and unseasonably warm spring, the group over at Beyond Layers is celebrating the season by seeking out color! It is truly amazing what you see when you really look! While I didn't find a lot of today's color in unusual places, I did know exactly where to go - Rockefeller Greenhouse. The many flowers and plants housed at this inner city treasure are too many to begin to name. My visit today was an exhilarating break in the monotony of the work day!

Enjoy the colors with me!

Monday - Green

Eclectic Green Grass

Tuesday - Yellow

Happy Spring using Kim Klassen's 'and then some' texture.

Wednesday - Pink

Thanks to Kim Klassen and all the wonderful ladies at Beyond Layers...they are all Beyond Awesome - to paraphrase Kim!