Friday, December 31, 2010

Art Journaling to Heal

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So many bloggers and artists are talking about their "word" for 2011.  This has made me reflect on 2010 these past few days.  What should my word have been for 2010?  Only one came to mind, HEAL.

The first few months were a struggle, I had a new title at work and was trying to learn while executing.  In May we had a huge audit, and during it this happened:


This was taken a month after surgery.  The tiny circles are my staples.  I broke my ankle in three places.  Having a life changing injury has been the hardest challenge I've faced in my lifetime.  I went back to work a month after my injury and it drained me immensely.  It is so hard to focus while in pain, and after my 8 hour days I was so exhausted all I wanted to do was sleep.

Fast forward five months.  I was still in a lot of pain, every step caused a shooting pain up my leg.  I had another surgery in November to remove my "loose screw", and no, it wasn't brain surgery.  hehe  The very next day I felt so much better.  I still have a long way before I can say I'm fully healed, my muscles and tendons still have to get used to working again, but I can finally say it's almost over.

All that being said, this injury has brought many good things into my life.   While spending that month on the couch I was able to interact with so many amazing artists, as well as focusing on myself and my art.  I have met so many wonderful new friends that I truly believe will last a lifetime.  

Years from now when I look back at 2010 I do not want to remember my injury, I want to remember all the wonderful accomplishments 2010 brought, all the wonderful classes I taught on Ustream, the vids I posted on Youtube, my first class with 21 Secrets, and my first publication in Art Journaling magazine.  More than that, I want to remember it as the year I met so many wonderful ladies.  Here are a few of us on our Buffalo trip.

Buffalo Trip

I also have some new pages to share:

Asian Inspiration

Imagination

Fly

Friends

Bingo!

All of these pages were completed on Ustream.  You can check out the recordings whenever you have time.  I also want to let everyone know that I am working on fixing the volume issues.  :)  I will be streaming tonight at 6pm EST if you'd like to join us.  

As for 2011, I have lots of goals, dreams, and aspirations.  I hope you all will join me for an artful 2011.

Thank you so much for all the support, patience, and love you all have sent me this past year.  I love you all!

Much Love xox


15 comments:

  1. Happy New year to you to Paula!! May it be the best ever!!

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  2. Awesome post and beautiful artwork as usual! May 2011 be the best ever for you!!

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  3. Beautiful pages! I'm very glad I found your blog this year. I especially like the imagination one.
    Rinda

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  4. Each page is just better than the next! I really can't tell you how inspiring watching and reading about your art journey has been for me, truly. I hope the new year has much happiness and healing ahead for you, and I also hope your artwork inspires a hundred more people just like it did for me!

    Carole

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  5. Paula, 2010 has been the best art journaling year for me. I found you in the sping and began following and now have eliminated so many fears by just jumping in with your guidance. You are the bestest, my friend. Thanx for being there. PS: I am wishing that 2011 will be a better year for you.

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  6. Great outlook. Even though my illnesses are not the healing kind - I can still say that they have brought wonderful things into my life. And my goodness, since your leg is healing just imagine how grateful you will be for all those little things - like getting through a work day- that you previously took for granted. Sometimes injuries and illnesses have the really nice symptom of letting us pause to see the beauty in the world and in ourselves despite all the pain.
    And I can't wait to see what you do in 2011.
    I'm loving these pages -so inspiring as usual.

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  7. Beautiful pages Paula! And I'm so glad your terrible injury brought about so many wonderful opportunities and friendships. That is such a great outlook.

    Have a truly wonderful, arty new year!

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  8. Wishing you the best of everything! Take care of yourself!

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  9. Happy New Year , Paula. Thank you for all that you have taught me through your vids and ustream. I journal now because of you. I hope this new year brings health and happiness.

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  10. Wishing you all the best in 2011...I really enjoy watching your videos and ustream... keep it up!

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  11. Happy New year to you too Paula. I have loved discovering and then religiously visiting your blog. You are an inspiration.
    Lee:)

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  12. All the best Paula for 2011. You've had an amazing year along with the healing you've taken your talents and hit the air waves, now that's how to make lemonade!

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  13. LOVE IT. Haven't made my post about this years word yet. Was going to do it today but a visit to mother in law in hospital calls.

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  14. BEAUTIFUL little walk down memory lane. I'm thankful for your broken foot - I don't think I would have come across your work otherwise. That said, I'm doubly thankful that it is finally in a state that can permanently heal. Hugs and hopes for an awesome 2011.
    ~ky

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  15. When I think of you Paula, one word keeps popping into my head-COURAGEOUS.The courage to turn a negative into a positive...The courage to share your REAL self...the courage to submit your work to be published...the courage to keep growing in your art. You are and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.Hugs, Julie

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