creativenachos.com Blog

Have you been wondering about that “Oh so delicious art journaling extravaganza called 21 Secrets”? Have you wanted to jump in and play but something keeps holding you back? Well, guess what?? This week is the LAST week to register (insert sad face here). It’s been the MOST amazing experience for me as a teacher AND a student and I want you to come and play. So, as a special treat for YOU, you can register and come play with 21 sensational teachers and hundreds of students from around the globe for only $49.99.

What do you say?? Do you want to end the year with on a fabulously, artsy note? Then, click the link above and join me and other like-minded folks on the 21 Secrets playground. Can’t wait to see YOU!!

I over think things. Well, I don’t do it all the time but sometimes I find myself slipping into a familiar pattern. It starts out harmless enough. I don’t have time to work on a project I love so I work on it in my head so as to stay engaged. But sooner or later I’m planning whole sections, whole chunks in my mind and even when I have the time I’m not actively working on it, instead I’m “thinking” about what I will do when I work in it.

Just today I caught myself doing it again and thankfully that is when it stops. I am much happier when I simply create and send my work out into the world. Yes, there is some editing to do before anything leaves my hands but when I allow myself to create without excessive thought I find magic often happens and shockingly things get done.

That thought finally got my butt back in gear to write today. What lights the fire under you to stop over-thinking and get to work?

I’ve been missing my Nachos. So, expect the things I’ve been working on and dreaming up to begin making an appearance here. It’s time for me to stop overthinking and for you to get some treats.

True Love.

Does it exist? Is your true love the person who is there for you through thick and thin? The one who doesn’t run but instead fights to stay even when you fight them? Is true love mental, physical, sexual or all three? Is it crazy passion or a sllllooooowwww burn? Is it something that lasts beyond initial infatuation/lust phase?

I was watching a flick with the kiddos (a total PG animated flick) and the idea of “true love” came up. It made me stop and think. There is something to be said about that person who is there day in and day out. There is something about that person that can see you when you are at your worst – think: in the middle of having the flu – and still love you and that same person who is with you when you celebrate life’s biggest accomplishments, regardless of time, day, place – they are just there. Is that your true love? The one who you’d love to still talk to at 90 years of age after years together?

Just thinking out loud and wondering what you think…

My little Doodle started school. How is that possible? Wasn’t she just born? Wasn’t I just sharing those videos where she giggled or telling you how she was scaling the couch like it was Everest?

I thought I would experience a depression as my little one left my side – ok let’s be honest she’s been like another appendage; we are always together but I didn’t. Now let’s not get crazy and say I didn’t cry…yeah, I’ve had some tears but while I’ve experienced some sadness the overwhelming feeling I have had has been excitement for her. I cannot believe how excited I am to see her in her classroom because she is ready.

Time and again I had people telling what I “should” do at 6 months, 1 year, etc. etc. and when I was potty training her I realized every child will take that next step when they are ready AND they have natural rhythms that indicate that they are ready. Though the beginning of school has been rough – separation is never easy – (picture a small being attached to my neck repeating – “I can’t take this. Take me home”) when I actually left she was ok. And when I returned – well to see her smile and laugh is a gift beyond measure. We still have a bumpy road ahead as she gets used to this but when she is creating art or reading or playing in the play kitchen, I see her come to life in a new way. I watch her talk to and connect with kids on a new level and my heart  -much like the Grinch – grows 2 sizes too big.

There is something magical about watching our children grow..yes it goes far too fast but it’s also incredible to see them move into the world, share the world and begin to take part in it in a new way. When they grow, we grow. We learn new things by just taking a moment to really see them move through this new process. I’ve been uncomfortable too but the rewards have far exceeded the discomfort.

Though there have been moments my heart has broken or I thought to myself, “I can’t do this,” – let her go, see her uncomfortable, etc. I have moved forward knowing that each step we take together is one that betters her life and, by default,mine.

So, I invite you to take a very uncomfortable step today. It doesn’t have to be anything major, it can be minute…just take that step and see what happens. If I’m right  it might just feel like surfacing from the deep sea and taking that first beautiful gulp of air.

To my beautiful, talented, crazy, wonderful friend Sean Peter McNulty who lost his life when the Towers fell, I miss you so much, so much. You are deeply missed by all of us and always will be.  It doesn’t feel like 10 years. I can still hear your laugh, your naughty stories and I miss that pinkie! I still do the Elaine dance just for you.

Love you so much sweet friend and I always, always will. God, I wish you were here.

My heart goes out to all who lost loved ones on that day ten years ago. May we always remember the magic each person brought into our lives and let it live on through us as we embrace each and every day.

And to Bob Higgins…it is so hard to believe it’s been a year since we lost you. You are missed every day and we talk about you all the time – rolls of quarters and loads of laughter and love. Love you Burger Bob.

Please hug someone today – hug them close and tell them you love them.

Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.

~Roald Dahl

I found a ton of magic on my recent travels. There have been many adventures with many lessons. I will be sharing throughout this month along with exciting news about new classes and fabulous ways we can play. There is SOOOOO much more to come.

For now…tell me…how are you all doing??????