Art and Photography: My Story

Today I thought I'd share a bit of my story with you. Since this blog is a place where I share my creative pursuits, let's look at my journey into the world of art and photography. At times, art and photography are almost magical. They give me a unique way of noticing, appreciating, and remembering life's little moments. I've loved all things creative since I was young. As a child I was always trying to convince siblings, cousins, and pets to dress up for little photo-shoots. I had a small drawing desk where I'd do portraits of various stuffed animals, who unlike my other subjects, always stayed still;)

I have always had an interest in art and photography, but somewhere in the junior high art studio and darkroom, I decided I was no good. I became discouraged with all facets of art during those early teenage years. That's when that old perfectionism stinker first entered my life. He told me I wasn't good enough and it wasn't worth trying. I looked at every less than perfect grade in an art class as evidence that I wasn't an artist like I had once thought.

I went on to take advanced art and graphic design courses, but always found myself feeling intimidated about majoring in art. I was strongly compelled towards studying the behavioral sciences and followed impressions to receive my degree in Marriage Family and Human Development. I don't regret that decision. I feel it was the best education I could have received and I am certain it has and will continue to bless my life in deeply profound and significant ways. I spent my college years working in the school district incorporating art into lessons whenever possible. I guess I really couldn't get away from it. I considered going on to be an art or music therapist, but somehow the therapy world didn't feel like the right fit either. Someday, I hope I'll get to have my dream of being a stay-at-home mom and artist. I think art and music bless the home in innumerable ways. For now, I'm a stay-at-home artist and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful husband who supports me in the work I do.

It's been almost six years since I finished my studies at BYU. I've spent the better portion of that time working in the design and marketing world. After all these years, I am learning what it feels like to see myself as an artist again. While I am mostly self-taught, I find my photography is a lot like the way I play piano... I may not be the best at all the technical stuff, but I play pretty darn well by ear;) I'm drawing and creating more and more. I'm writing stories and music. My creative self is reawakening.

I can honestly say I don't know where all of this is headed. I know I have the talents and interests I do for a reason, I just don't quite know what that is yet. At times I see a glimpse here and there, but for the most part it is still unfolding. I hope at some point it all just kind of clicks and I find my niche. I know this blog is a bit of a conglomeration of scrapbooking, photography, home decor, and story telling, but it's an honest look into my journey of self-discovery. Thanks for sharing it with me. Looking forward to seeing where it will lead.

With Hope,
L

Studio 5 Contest

Any of you wondering what my little project was that I mentioned yesterday? A local morning show called Studio 5 is hosting a contest!! The rules: create a home decor or craft item for under $5. When I heard about this little contest I knew I could pull off something fabulous, fresh, and creative. I wanted to make a real statement piece, something you might pay beaucoup bucks for at Anthropologie. I'd like to point out that I came in well under $5 with a total cost of $3.49!

Allow me to introduce you to my custom organic chandelier. Why not bring that outside summer evening feeling indoors this winter!! I love the romantic and rustic appeal of my little DIY lighting feature.

Of course I've seen mason jar lanterns hung outside in warmer weather, but in my mind I could picture the most magical indoor table-setting with my custom chandelier hung above. Picture it with me! A gorgeous table-scape with vintage linens, candelabras, glassware, fresh flowers, and dancing glowing light shimmering above. I love the ambiance of a candlelight spread.

Oh, in case your interested, here's the cost breakdown:

Mason Jars: 6 @.25 cents each at DI 

Craft Wire: .99 cents at Harbor Freight

Votive Candles: $1.00

Branch: free

Ribbon: allowed one item on hand

Total Cost: $3.49

I'm really hoping to be a finalist in the contest. I'll let you know next week. If I get to be a finalist, I'd love your vote!!

Hope you like my little creation. It makes me HAPPY!

With Hope,
L

Enjoy the Ride

Busy day ahead. I have a fun little project I'm working on that I hope will be a big success. It involves a $1.50 thrift store purchase and a little craft wire. Crossing my fingers that it will be very Anthropologie in the end;) Confused? Sorry to leave you hanging, but it's a secret. Can't wait to share soon though!

Oh, and why the ferris wheel photo you may ask? Because it makes me happy.

Enjoy!
L

I Love It!

You know how I was daydreaming of bicycling about the streets of Paris just the other day? We've transformed our living room into something right out of my dreams. I'm so excited to share our decorating goodness with you today! I've been designing this wall in my mind for months. Finally with Danny's expert handyman skills we made it happen!

I love the vintage teal window pane!! Several months ago Danny went to the ghetto to purchase a bunch of fabulous old window panes for me. It was an act of true love and bravery! To mat the salt and pepper ring photo, we simply purchased a piece of foam board and covered it with some fabric I had in my stash.  Seriously, the photos, the colors, the touches of Paris...Je l'aime! (translation: I love it!)

We still need to finish it off by adding a little touch to the middle of the pink embroidery hoop with the fabric inside. I have my eye on something, but it needs to go on sale first;)

Enjoy!
L

A Tribute

I asked Stephanie if it would be okay for me to share this on my blog today. She agreed that it would be alright. Today is a sad day. Stephanie's dear cat Rita has been ill for some time, and returned to Heaven this afternoon. Just days before her wedding, Stephanie has been tirelessly caring for Rita and trying to save her from this illness. She has learned to give Kitty IV's, shots, medicine, you name it. She loves Rita deeply and has taken such good care of her.

Rita was quite the cat. She had a unique history, and if she could talk, I'm sure she would have had quite the stories to tell. Stephanie adopted her as an adult cat. Rita was found climbing out of the rubble of the Oklahoma City Bombing and sent to a shelter. She was a little survivor. She was adopted and later returned because the owner couldn't afford her anymore. Somehow she made her way to the Salt Lake City Humane Society at age seven. One of the lovely caretakers there, Barbara fostered her for some time. She went up for adoption at the same time that Stephanie was looking for a pet to love and care for. She was scared and afraid and stayed in the back of the cage. Stephanie has always sought out the lonely and abandoned. It is only fitting that she chose Rita above all of the playful kittens.

I still remember when Steph called and told me she had adopted Rita. My dad and I drove up to Salt Lake that very night to meet her. That poor scared baby was cowering in a corner under Stephanie's bed, so afraid and unsure of her new surroundings. She spent several months in hiding. Slowly she learned that she was safe and could trust Stephanie to care for her. The two of them needed each other. They've been through a lot together over many years.

I am certain that the animals we care for and love in this life will be ours again someday. I believe Heavenly Father blesses us with pets who enrich our lives, and that the connection we make with them is eternal. They are part of our families here, so why wouldn't they be part of our families in the hear-after? Letting go of my cat Mingtoy was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. My grief was real and deep, yet some diminished it saying he was 'just a cat.' I still miss him terribly. He was a dear friend and companion. I wish I could take away the pain that I know Stephanie is experiencing from her loss. I just want her to know that I understand. I love little Rita too. She has been such a good companion to Stephanie and she will be missed by our entire family. We love you Miss Rita Marie.

With Love,
L

Reflections

I am a daydreamer. Just this morning I was swept away with visions of bicycling about the streets of Paris in the springtime. While my dreams of far off places are enchanting, I must say, life right here is pretty wonderful itself. Thought I'd share a little story about a beautiful day in my own home town.

I drove with the windows down, enjoying a gentle breeze. As I approached a familiar street, one I'd traveled many times before, I saw something wonderfully beautiful. Something so simple, yet it took my breath away. Growing up in an agricultural community, it's not uncommon to see lawns flooded with irrigation water on any given day. I'd seen it before, but this time it was different. I could see the reflection of the beautiful mountains and sky above painted across the thirsty grass. It was like something Monet himself might have dreamed up in a watercolor masterpiece. I quickly pulled over, grabbed my camera, and began snapping photos of the lovely scene.

Here's where the story really begins. The owner of the property must have noticed a strange girl outside taking photos in her yard. She came out and asked what I was doing there. In my most innocent voice, I explained that I was driving by and just thought the reflection in the water was so pretty, I had to stop and take a picture. She looked at me with a puzzled face, turned to look at the reflection in her own front yard, and than looked back at me again. I was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable and getting ready to leave when she finally spoke.

"Do you know I have lived her for thirty years and we've irrigated this lawn a hundred times. I've never appreciated anything about this process. I've never seen how beautiful it was until today. Thank you for showing me."

She than walked away and went inside. I decided to snap a few more photos because the clouds were moving and it was becoming increasingly impressive. I couldn't resist. A few moments later, the owner retuned with a disposable camera. She came and stood by me and we took pictures together, two strangers enjoying a perfectly magical moment with one another.

I suppose I was a bit of an unexpected intruder, but the scenery was just so lovely I couldn't pass by without taking a moment to appreciate it. I was impressed with the woman's willingness to see for herself what I had noticed that day. I wonder how many times I miss these simple beauties myself. It's a good reminder to step outside your own front door and really look at the world before you. While my heart may long to see far off places and often daydreams about the big world out there, there are so many simply wonderful things right here at home. I hope you'll take a moment with me and notice the things that make life beautiful in your own world today:)

With love,
L

Oh Doll Doll!

Allow me to indulge myself in a pet owner's blogging moment. I love my little Doll Doll! She is such a good puppy. She knows lots of tricks and always obeys well... most of the time;) Dolly is quite protective of me and if she had her way, she'd sleep at my feet every night. For the first three months of marriage Danny begged me for a dog everyday. I am an animal person, no doubt about that, but I kept telling him we should wait till we were more settled. As you can see, that argument didn't last too long. Within hours of getting her though, she had my heart completely. She's MY dog and I love her. Sorry Danny for stealing your pet.


Enjoy!
L

xoxo

I'm still fighting off the effects of that icky gluten attack! Yuck! Lesson learned: always delegate when dealing with wheat!

Earlier this week I did a little decorating for Valentines. I love home decor! It makes me so happy to create a space that is beautiful and inviting. I've been a lot slower than I imagined at decorating our home. I think that old perfectionism stinker kept me from moving forward, but since bidding him farewell it's time to get to work! Well, once I'm feeling better, that is.

Xoxo,
L

A Perfect Brightness of Hope

Before taking down the Christmas tree I snapped one last shot of my favorite ornament. A sparkly reminder that there is hope smiling brightly before us. I loved the shot and thought it was a great reminder of my little motto for the year. It was very unfortunate what happened next. Of all the ornaments carefully laid just out of Dolly's reach, somehow she managed to grasp just this one. Before I could stop her, she chewed it right in half. Hope was lost. Hope was broken. Little bits of silver glitter and pieces of hope were scattered across the floor. I thought it quite significant and have pondered on it for several days.

Lately Young Women's seems to demand every ounce of strength and energy I have. Last night's activity was utterly disastrous. An attempt to learn a pioneer skill, butter-making, ended in whipping cream strewn about the room and all over the youth and leaders. Who knew the Young Men could shake a jar so vigorously it would break right in half? Some found it humorous, those covered in sour smelling cream, not so much. That was actually the least of the problems. Nothing seemed to go very well.

After dropping the girls off and returning home, I finally let myself acknowledge the severe pain I was in. Baking and handling glutenous biscuit dough was not a wise idea. I was extremely sick. The kind of sick you question if you need to rush to the emergency room or not. It wasn't good. As I lay awake most of the night, miserably trying to find relief, my mind thought upon broken hearts, broken shards of glass, and broken pieces of hope.

I questioned what I can possibly do to help things run smoother in my calling. I pondered on the heavy burdens and needs of the young women I have stewardship over. I questioned if I will ever be able to keep up with the demands of a busy life and calling. I questioned if I will ever be well enough to have children. You name it, I agonized about it. When you don't feel well, hope can seem more dim at times. It seemed as though my hope was shattered in a thousand pieces on the floor, just like the ornament and jar of cream.

I finally found rest and comfort. My body will need a few days to recover, but it's already feeling much better thankfully! As I stood washing dishes, the early morning sun filled the kitchen and my heart with radiant light. Through prayer and scripture study, the Savior stood with me, helping me pick up the pieces and restoring hope. The trials haven't changed, but hope stands brightly before me, letting me know that things will be okay.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (2 Nephi 31:18–20).

With Hope,
L

So Stylish

Part three of Stephanie's Bridal Shoot. Thought I'd point out some of the special elements in her fabulous bridal wardrobe.

1. Hat: Modern (purchased in London)
2. Pearl Earrings: vintage (our nana's)
3. Pearl Necklace: modern (gift from John)
4. Purple Necklace and Earrings: Modern (custom made by Tempest of Monterey, CA) 
5. Lace dress: vintage (our mother's)
6. Suitcase: thrifted 
7. Wedding dress (modern and customized to Stephanie's design)
8. Hair (done by the fabulous Ambyr)

You gotta love someone who isn't afraid of playing with fashion! Way to work it Steph! You look amazing!

Enjoy!

L

Sonnet 29

Thought I'd share a few more favorites! Perhaps this will have to be a three-part series; I just can't decide which shots to share! We met the cutest elderly couple out for an afternoon walk. The gentleman asked if she needed a stand-in for her missing groom;) I thought it was such a lovely idea to imagine that once upon a time they were newlyweds too. They've walked through life hand in hand together. With suitcase it toe, it seemed symbolic of the beautiful road ahead for Stephanie and John. (You can see the couple walking off in the distance together in the shot above.) 

Stephanie shared her favorite sonnet with Danny and I on our wedding day. Today, I'd like to dedicate it to she and John. 

With Love,

L

SONNET 29

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Bridals! Sneak Peek

Just a quick sneak peek at Stephanie's bridal portraits! We had such a lovely day yesterday, Steph playing dress ups, and me playing fashion photographer. She looked absolutely stunning in both her wedding dress and going away dress. The playful going away dress is the same one our mom wore on her wedding day 40 years ago! Steph had a gorgeous custom underskirt made to add a pop of color and length to the vintage dress. Oh So Pretty! Everything from head to toe was perfect and she looked absolutely beautiful! So classic and vintage! Thanks to Steph for braving the cold and allowing me to do such a fun and special shoot. Lots of editing and scrapbooking to do in the next three weeks! Can't wait to share more photos soon!

With Love,
L

Enough!

Dear Perfectionism,

I'm sorry for being so blunt, but you've taken up residence here for far too long. I am letting you know it is time we say goodbye. I am good enough. I don't need you telling me otherwise anymore.

Sincerely,
L

Today I was working on a page in my studio. I found myself battling those familiar voices of perfectionism and criticism, seeking to rob me of creativity and joy. "My page isn't good enough. I'm not organized enough." The inward struggle than became more personal, "I am not a good Young Women President. I should be a better wife..." The negative thoughts keep rolling on and on, building upon one another and becoming increasingly discouraging.

In the marketing world, everything is so contrived, so perfectly arranged, so inauthentic. In real life, pictures aren't always perfect, stamps smudge where they shouldn't, and not every page is a masterpiece. I am still learning how to be more organized. I am doing my best in my calling. I am a good wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I am trying, and I am doing a good job.

Perhaps you've felt like this before too. This post is my little effort to take a stand...to say, ENOUGH! I know my Father in Heaven doesn't want me to beat myself up like this. He values my best efforts and doesn't expect me to run faster than I have strength. I am going to work on treating myself more like he does. Goodbye perfectionism.

With Hope,
L

El Quelite, Mexico

I'm not crazy about winter. I've grown up in Utah and should be rather used to it by now. However, on cold days like today, I can't help but daydream about someplace warm and sunny. I miss my shorts and flip flops!

Despite my disdain for the cold weather, I got to work in my studio and pulled out some of the brightest colors in my stash. Sometimes we have to create our own sunshine! I think this little page did just the trick! It's feeling warmer already. Okay, it's still 11 degrees outside, but you get the picture.

Thought I'd share a glimpse of our day-trip to sunny El Quelite, a charming little town about 45 minutes outside of Mazatlan, Mexico. The streets are unpaved, the homes are humble yet very bright and attractive, and the people sit on their porches and talk to passersby... it was like something out of a movie. I even saw wild donkeys and goats roaming about. It was just delightful! Wishing you some sunshine and cheerfulness on this cold winter day!

With Hope,
L

Lunch Date

                                                 

Today I received a delightful invitation for a lunch date! But wait, I'm a married woman! No need to fret, Danny! It was an innocent Daddy Daughter/Granddaughter outing. Mauri was so dissapointed Dolly couldn't join us for lunch too. Somehow I don't think Zupas would have appreciated a Cocker Spaniel with such a healthy appetite!

Thanks Dad and Mauri, I had a lovely time! I hope they ask me out again soon;) Maybe I should make the next move? Perhaps I'll treat them to a gluten free picnic and movie of Mauri's choice. I'm very blessed to have them. We have a lot of smiles and happy days together!

With Love,
L

Call Me.

I wanted to post something fun today. This picture is so quirky and it always makes me smile. I know my thoughts have been pretty deep the last few days. Heavy stuff, I tell you. How about I start sharing some artwork here?! How about I lighten up just a little;)

I have some ideas up my sleeve for the coming year that I'm really excited about! I can't wait to share! Guess what fun awaits next week? Here are a few clues: the beautiful girl above, a gorgeous dress, and me with my trusty camera... that's right, bridals!  I'm SO excited!

Looking forward to spending today in my own little studio.

With Hope,
L

White Roses and Virtue

I've been busy planning a special activity for the young women tonight and thought I'd share a quick peek! This year's theme for the youth is Article of Faith 13. Long before I was married I knew I would be serving in the Young Women organization. Sister Dalton's talks began speaking to me and I knew the Lord was preparing me for something important.

Significantly, I think I shared this quote on my first blog entry, but I felt it was worth sharing again today. I read Sister Dalton's talk "Come Let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord" on a flight to Oakland, CA. I was taking a much needed escape from troubles that seemed insurmountable at the time. Upon arrival, Steph and I set out immediately to visit the Oakland Temple. I looked at the beautiful spray of white roses and thought of the story from Sister Dalton's talk.

"Last year when I was called to be the Young Women general president, as I was leaving President Monson’s office, he reached over to a bouquet of white roses, took one from the vase, and handed it to me. The moment he handed me that beautiful white rose, I knew why. I went back to the time when, as a young woman, I chose the white rose as my symbol of purity—my personal banner. How did President Monson know? I took that precious rose home, put it in a beautiful crystal vase, and placed it on a table where I could see it every day. Every day that rose reminded me of the importance of my own personal purity and virtue, and it reminded me of you. As you grow and blossom, your personal purity will enable you to become a force for good and an influence for righteousness in the world. I truly believe that one virtuous young woman, led by the Spirit, can change the world."

Sister Elaine S. Dalton General Young Women President

I have seen the force for good one girl can be. Perhaps at times the Lord has even allowed me to be that girl. I try to seek for that which is virtuous, lovely, and of good report. I hope to share these things here with you, in my calling with the young women, and with my family and friends.

With Hope,

L

There is Beauty all Around

Sunday was an emotional day. I needed to get away and clear my mind. I asked Danny if we could go for a drive up the canyon. Although it was just a few minutes from home, it was like escaping into another world, like something out of a fairy-tale. The winter frost was exquisite; everything so still, so pure, so clear. The sun glimmered off the ice-encrusted evergreens and mountain ridges in utter magnificence. It was soul-stirringly beautiful.

Danny always says I'm like a Disney princess. I love nature and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. It's kind of a unique gift, if I say I want to see an animal, a shooting star, or something of that nature, I always do. I look for them. I notice the slightest movements on the mountainside, and can detect even a well-camouflaged critter. I watch the sky and refuse to look away until that star makes its appearance above. Like Snow White or Cinderella, I may or may not just break into a song and dance filled with delight in the world around me.

I think of these moments as tender mercies, not coincidences. I think they are deeply tied to my faith. I believe Heavenly Father knows how much I love his creations, and he likes to share them with me. It's a special gift that many people don't understand. I've been told I'm silly and people have scoffed at this part of me, but I feel it is special. I hold it sacred, and even sharing it here makes me feel a little uneasy. I feel it's important, however for you to understand that part of me in order to explain why our Sunday drive was so special.

As noted above, Sunday was a very hard day. I needed divine help. As soon as we entered the canyon, peace filled my heart. The world was beautiful again. As we turned to drive towards the Sundance resort, I spotted four elk. This was exciting! Soon after, I thought I saw a black bear. I was convinced of it! My bear turned out to be a stately moose, but I was still very happy to see him! I saw another moose and five more elk along the way home. I felt uplifted and enlivened!

This little drive reminded me that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly. He knew I would just love to see those animals and the beautiful winter landscape. I had to be willing to get outside to see them though. If I had crawled into bed and given way to the discouragement I faced, I wouldn't have seen the beauty God had created for me. I would have missed out on that connection with my Father in Heaven. I have always loved the Primary song "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" . It says so perfectly what is in my heart. Actively seeking and appreciating the beauty around us can restore hope and fill our hearts with our Father's love.

With love,

L

A Heavy Heart

I see things. While some may say I'm sensitive or worry to much, my heart aches when others are are hurting. I can't just close my eyes to such things. This weekend had a lot of great moments that I anticipate sharing, but today my heart is heavy. Friday night Danny and I helped chaperone a multi-stake New Years Eve youth dance. We had fun, we danced, we enjoyed the music; it was a good night. However, I couldn't help but ache for so many of the youth in attendance. So many memories of those awkward teenage years came flooding back. I couldn't help but notice the shy kids, their nervous expressions gave them away instantly. I saw the pretty girls who knew they were pretty. I saw the outcasts, I saw the lonely, I saw the brokenhearted. I saw a few perfectly content individuals who knew how to have fun and include others. I saw one boy who completely melted my heart. He sought out the lonely, the shy, and the outcast. He asked the girls who stood alone to dance. He understood how to be happy. He understood it wasn't about him. I remember being in those kid's shoes. It was so interesting to see things with perspective. I wondered if perhaps a chaperone looked at me ten or fifteen years ago and made similar observations. Most likely.

I gained some interesting perspective into a teenager's life over the weekend. I won't get into personal details, but I will simply say that my heart is broken. My heart aches for the youth. I feel a heavy burden to help them know the truth. They need to know their Savior. They need to know that the only true happiness in life is through following Jesus Christ. They need to know how deeply he loves them. I'm doing my best to help the young women feel the Spirit, to help them feel loved. While voices of negativity and doubt may tell me I am failing, I know somehow things will work out. The Lord will magnify my abilities and make weak things become strong. I know the Lord has prepared me for this calling. He understands the needs of each individual. He will guide me to know how to serve them. He has blessed me with the gift to see things. I know he will continue to help me see their needs, their struggles, their gifts, and their potential.

With hope,

L