Haunted Houses: Exploring abandoned homes of Kentucky

It's funny how you forget about the things you love to do. One of those for me was exploring abandoned homes and taking pictures of them even if no one else cares. I think that's why I love this blog because it's still quiet and kinda private around here. People are too busy living there lives to take the time to see what I am up to or maybe they aren't? I am sure with the cool weather coming in we  all going to be bundling up next to a glass of wine and our tablets reading the latest blogs. At least that's a favorite thing I love to do when it gets cold. Who knows?

I know that I forgot about the aliveness I feel when I search for a abandoned home, the thrill of figuring out how to get to it without someone noticing and then the excitement of carefully navigating the old floor boards to search for the most inspiring decay of human existence. It's the combination of creepy satisfaction and discovering a lost treasure that I love about it. It's beautiful!

Resolutions Smelloutions

I usually have all my ducks in a row way before new years rolls around. Something along the lines of a huge list of things I want to accomplish in detail and a super positive attitude that it's gonna happen. However the 2013-2014 transition has me fumbling a bit and surprisingly a little unmotivated to make any resolutions. 

Looking back at my resolutions from last year really kinda killed it for me because nothing was 100% accomplished. I know I had a baby but I would have thought I could have been more productive. So I kinda been going through a slump. I have changed my hair at least 4 times in the past couple of months in hopes of renewing my self and motivation but I still wasn't satisfied. I find myself constantly trying to diagnose my problem and still yet haven't found an answer. I am also now a bit scared to make any promises to myself for 2014 in fear that it may jinx the results. 

My 2014 is going to be filled with a lot of hard work and I am determined to get myself and my little family a home built, another vehicle and a real studio space. I'm determined to make the best life for my baby. So it's hard for me to focus on anything else right now besides this. At the same time I want to focus on enjoying every moment, not feeling pressured, and making my body my temple.

I think what makes it scary and depressing is when you know you want a certain thing soooo bad to happen. Especially when you feel like you have been waiting, praying and wishing it would happen for some time. I know I'm not the only one that feels this way but I know I need to re channel my thoughts and be POSITIVE. 

My older sister came over today and we were talking about resolutions and she suggested to pick a word and focus on that. I told her I had no idea what word would work for me when I am surrounded by all these crazy feelings and you know what I think after writing this post I just figured it out. 

POSITIVE

 pos·i·tive  (pz-tv)

adj.

1. Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation: a positive answer; positive criticism.

2. Measured or moving forward or in a direction of increase or progress.

3. Explicitly or openly expressed or laid down: a positive demand.

4. Admitting of no doubt; irrefutable: positive proof.

5.

a. Very sure; confident: I'm positive he's right. See Synonyms at sure.

b. Overconfident; dogmatic.

Inspiration of the Week: Wandering Souls

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Headed to Illinois this weekend to see family! Excited and a bit nervous because it will be our first big trip towing baby Juniper with us. Can't believe Halloween is just around the corner. I have so much going on in my head on what I want to accomplish in the next few months and a big holiday season to prepare for in the shop. I keep sketchbooks of lists and scratchings of ideas all over the bedroom... I am determined to control and hopefully refine a little. Fall is putting me in a crazy motion that I hope will move toward the things I want out of life. 

Friday!! Summer is for Excitement!!

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I am in such good spirits because things are definitely getting ready to change for the better! I haven't been excited for summer until now and I think it is because in a couple of weeks I can squeeze into some shorts and enjoy summer full force with Juniper in tow of course.

I have super plans for the blog which will be my main focus for Run 2 the Wild when baby arrives. Expect a complete redesign with more organized content and new artistic ways to take part and meet new friends. More posts which will contain original DIY projects, great monthly giveaways, artsy inspiration for you and those little ones roaming around. Also get excited because I will be looking at crafting some ecourses for you to enjoy that will share secrets about my creative process and how I find success from that. Also I will be looking for a handful of great sponsors that match Run 2 the Wild's vibe and will be collaborating with them to bring you some super cool content. So if your interested be sure to email me run2thewild@gmail.com and let me know.

As for the Shop I will continue to punch out some fabulous collections for fall and winter that include some interesting materials. We are also working on a direct website for you to order from and working toward our big goal of opening a studio!!!!!!

So much to do but I am so pumped to have you all watch as Run 2 the Wild grows!

I'm psyched for new products, photo shoots, collaborations, a new blog design, fun blog content, learning, planning, dreaming, late summer festivals, and life with Juniper!

PS I'm sure most of you have switched to Bloglovin as of now but just in case some of you don't know Google reader or Google plus is shutting down in two days! Be sure to find me on bloglovin to keep updated.... Follow me with Bloglovin by Clicking here!

What's your goals this summer???  I would love to hear!!

Spring Bucket List

Although there isn't really any crazy things that I am allowed to do because of this belly I won't let it put a damper on my spring spirit. Things I would want to do like a spring cocktail while chilling in the back yard isn't going to happen or going to a theme park and riding my favorite rides but I think I  can wiggle my way around it.


Here are some things I hope to accomplish this spring...

1. Plant Stuff

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2. Catch up with old friends for lunch dates
3. Go on a Hike to an old favorite place
4. Paint a picture outside
5. Lay in my hammock and sip on a virgin daiquiri.

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6. Make some decorations for my baby room
7. Collect special treasures from Festivals
8. Walk barefoot in a creek
9. Go fishing
10. build up my arm muscles and exercise
11. Have a picnic
12. campout in the backyard with a fire

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13. beautify my baby book
14. grill out
15. Catch some rays on a skylift up Red River Gorge
16. Visit an Art Museum
17. Press some flowers

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18. Enlarge and make prints of my belly pictures
19. Buy stuff for baby
20. Eat somewhere special and new!
21. go on a long drive to a surprise getaway.... ( i wish ;) )
22. Chalk my hair rainbow
23. Paint some rocks... and sticks ;)
24. Mosaic some stepping stones for my moms yard
25. Ride my bike and give it a much needed tune up
26. Watercolor Study in the woods with my special journal
27. Take lots of fun photos
28. get funky with my wardrobe
29. gather specimens
30. play some mini golf

What is one of your spring goals?

Spring Intospiration

Yeah Spring is officially here! Crazy hippie dance time! I have been finding all kinds of inspiration for this spring here are some of my favorites!


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Headscarfs... :)

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Watercolor... :)

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A Pantone Spring Palette... :)


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Eco friendly plantings... :)

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Sheer Clothing and pastel hair!


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Fresh fruit salads... :)


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beautiful scenery... :)


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Messy Braids... :)


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Stacked bracelets.. :)


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Pressed Flower Surprises... :)

Anything you are excited for this spring???

PS... I am sure you all know about the end of google plus which is how most of you follow.... so be sure to follow the blog through bloglovin! Just click the little heart from the header banner above. Bloglovin is the new cool way to follow blogs so if you like reading blogs or want to eventually start blogging it's a good idea to start an account and then find me!

Personal Art Therapy

Were covered in Ice!! I woke up at 5 am this morning getting super excited about the snow we were going to get but instead ice! I can't leave my apartment to take packages to the post office or take my pup for a walk. Were trapped but I think this is a good thing. I wanted to take this weekend and make a short short list of personal goals. I always plan so much for myself to try to accomplish it overwhelms me and takes enjoyment out of what I do.

So this weekend I will work on Personal Art Therapy. Taking the time to devote my creative juices to new projects that are for my personal use. Feel good projects, fun projects not projects I need done or ones that have been sitting on the dreaded to do list.

After this weeks sketch I realized how good it felt to just do a project that had no purpose. Just for fun or relaxation and it seemed like therapy. It motivated me to want to pull out my paints and start exploring my fun supplies in my studio room. I am so shocked at how the Sketchbook Workshop only in it's second prompt is making me feel better unlike the dreaded 365 self portrait project which obviously didn't fit my character and left me feeling like a failure.

Besides the art therapy.... I want to clean up my computer... Create a couple new items for the shop... and get organized for this week to be productive.

You can find the 2nd Sketch book prompt here

Also you can still submit to the first one here ... and if you can't get linky to work you can drop a link in the comments below and your thoughts!

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST 10 SKETCHBOOK PROMPTS YOU WILL GET A SURPRISE IN THE MAIL! Of course you can't just slap them up in one day so try to keep up as much as you can!


Thanks to all who have participated! I hope all my bloggy buds have a wonderful weekend!

What is one simple goal you would like to complete this weekend?

Etsy Success: Tips for finding Your Creative Genius

I often get asked how I came up with an idea and a lot of times the answer comes along the lines of well I just did. I have a very strong right side of the brain and not because I was born with it but because I use it everyday all day.

 I truly believe that you are most creative when your a child. As we grow older society kicks in and your pressured into a box complete instructions included. Everything has a certain answer in school and real life seems to be about the same routine as everyone else. 

Nothing wrong with routine or learning but what I am saying is that we use our creativeness less and less. I honestly think it's because being creative is play to adults and play is not real life but why can't it be? Why can't we be as happy and as thrilled as when we were little with just a box to dismember and an imagination to transform it?

In order for your etsy business to be successful you need to find your creative genius. Not only will this help set you apart for everyone else but it helps you keep your shop fresh with new ideas and products.
So today I want to share with you some tips on finding your creative genius... remember it's not that you never had it but that you lost it somewhere along the lines of becoming an adult.

1. Use what you have. We all see projects we want to do or make but we also see a huge list of things we need. Instead of heading into the craft store and spending 50 dollars on your next diy project look around and make yourself use what you have. It's hard at first but it helps you begin to see multiple purposes for an item rather than one. 
2. Create something Everyday. This one is simple but most important because it's practice. Even if you don't like what you see the first couple of days keep at it! Practice makes creative perfection!
3. Shop around. Take your craft supply list to new unconventional supply stores. I learned this from a favorite art ed professor in college. The hardware store, junk store, even the side of the road provide interesting supplies to boost your creative spirit.
4. Design your own project. See something you need around the house? Maybe a spice rack or a rug? Well Try to make it without the help of pinterest, the internet or others.
5. Turn it off and find your space. Devote time to staying off the internet, tv or any other influence that distracts you (except music) and find a permanent spot to set up a creative space. Just setting up your area can inspire you and make you feel confident in pursuing your creative endeavors
6. Find supplies and things that inspire you. Instead of shopping a diy supply list off of the internet, shop for supplies that inspire even if you don't have a use for them yet. Or better yet look around your place or a friends/relatives for unused objects. I always go through my moms junk draws at her house.
7. Don't let a stupid idea pass you by! Try it! 9 times out of 10 I would think of an idea that I thought was stupid but I tried it anyway and it was a hit! So never shut yourself off before giving it a good try. 
8. Keep Learning. That is a simple as you can get. Do I need to explain?

Those are my tips... Let me know if you have any other great ones to share! I would love to hear!

Inspiration Dream Home

Just a little inspiration for friday... well late friday night. I'm working hard on gearing up for valentines day in the shop! So look out for specialty items!

My Dream home....

Would use storage like this.

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Walls would be painted in vibrant colors like this!

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Would have a spiral staircase!

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Would be a unique structure like this with all natural elements!

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Would definitely have skylights like this!

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Would have hideaways like this!

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Could definitely be in a tree!

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Could be an Aframe!

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Could be on wheels!

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Would have green house style rooms like this!

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Whats one thing your dream home would include???


Have a wonderful Weekend See you Monday!