I have three beautiful American Cocker Spaniels — Chanel (13), Rosie (3), and Sadie (1.5). Chanel was a fun-loving pooch who was crazy about swimming, running, and especially playing ball. If her toy landed in the pool, she’d give you that look… “Someone has to get it — please let it be me!” Sometimes she’d even “accidentally” drop it in herself just to go swimming. 😂
At only three years old, Chanel lost her vision. In the beginning, she bumped into walls and would sit down with a deep sigh of frustration. It broke my heart. But just a few days later, something incredible happened — she began mapping the house using her nose, carefully learning every room and space. Before long, she moved confidently through life again.
Swimming no longer felt safe for her, yet she never stopped playing fetch. At the command “listen,” she would pause, focus on the sound of the ball, and run confidently to retrieve it every time. People were always surprised to learn she was completely blind — she never allowed it to slow her down or define her spirit.
She was the matriarch of our family, always making sure everyone was safe and accounted for. Despite everything she faced, Chanel chose joy every single day. She became my reminder to stay positive and focus on what truly matters. I feel incredibly blessed to have had her in my life and to have learned so much from her — about resilience, unconditional love, and finding happiness no matter the circumstances.
This past Monday, 3/2/26, Chanel went to heaven.
She is deeply missed, and though there have been many tears, I know she would want to be remembered for her playful spirit, her courage, and her endless joy.
Take time to slow down and cherish the moments you share with those you love — furry or human. Life moves quickly, and the magic is happening right now.
💖 I know the angels have Chanel, and she’s running free again — forever loved, forever remembered, forever in our hearts. 💖
“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” ~ Roger Caras
We all have days that feel heavier than expected. Plans fall apart, energy runs low, or emotions sit closer to the surface than we’d like. On days like these, it’s easy to get pulled into frustration or self-criticism. That’s exactly why having a personal mantra can be so powerful.
A mantra is more than just a phrase — it’s a gentle anchor. Something you return to when your thoughts start spiraling or your confidence dips. It doesn’t have to be poetic or profound. It just needs to feel true and supportive to you.
Why a Mantra Helps
When a difficult moment hits, your mind tends to repeat whatever thought is loudest — and often that thought isn’t kind. A personal mantra interrupts that loop. It gives your brain a new script, one that steadies you instead of adding pressure.
Think of it as emotional muscle memory. The more you repeat your mantra during calm moments, the easier it becomes to access when things feel overwhelming.
Finding Words That Feel Like Home
A meaningful mantra usually grows from what you most need to hear. Ask yourself:
What do I struggle to believe on hard days?
What reminder would calm me right now?
What truth do I want to return to?
Your mantra might be simple:
“One step at a time.” “This moment will pass.” “I am allowed to go gently today.”
Notice what creates a small sense of relief when you say it. That’s your signal you’re on the right track.
Making It Part of Your Day
A mantra works best when it becomes familiar. Try repeating it while making coffee, walking, journaling, or taking a few slow breaths. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a habit of returning to yourself with compassion.
Over time, your mantra becomes less of a phrase you say and more of a mindset you carry.
A Gentle Reminder
Difficult days don’t mean you’re failing — they mean you’re human. A personal mantra is a gentle act of care that says, “I’m here for myself, even now, and I give myself grace.”
Take a moment today to write down a mantra that feels supportive and true for you. Keep it somewhere visible, return to it often, and let it remind you that you’re allowed to move through hard days with compassion. If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear what words steady you — your mantra might inspire someone else, too.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a beautiful and magical day ✨
The past few weeks have brought some seriously cold weather, with back-to-back winter storms rolling through the eastern U.S. My heart went out to everyone up north dealing with freezing temperatures and power outages—and even the South felt the chill! Northern Florida even saw snow, which is pretty wild. Thankfully, things are starting to warm up a little now. 💛
One upside for me was spending more time indoors, which meant extra studio time and the chance to work on this new 24×24 abstract. I wish I could show you the “before” photos (technical hiccups!), but I’m really loving where this piece is right now. There are lots of layers in this one, and I enjoy seeing little hints of those earlier layers quietly peeking through.
I’m still deciding whether to add more lines or shapes. For now, I’m letting it hang out on the easel while I work on other things in the studio. There’s something nice about giving a painting a little space and seeing how it feels over time. And honestly? I kind of love it just the way it is… so this may be where I stop. We’ll see. 😊
I hope this little peek into my studio brightened your day. What have you been creating or enjoying lately? I always love hearing what you’re up to.
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a moment here with me.
If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve already explored the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and the Michigan Triangle. Each one carries its own legends, unanswered questions, and eerie fascination—and today’s post is a continuation of that intrigue as we head north to one of the most mysterious regions of all: the Alaskan Triangle.
Where Is the Alaskan Triangle?
The Alaskan Triangle is generally described as an area stretching between Anchorage, Juneau, and Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow). This vast and rugged region is known not only for its breathtaking beauty, but also for an unusual number of disappearances and unexplained events that have occurred over the years.
The Case That Defined the Mystery
One of the most well-known and enduring mysteries linked to the Alaskan Triangle occurred in 1972, when a small plane carrying U.S. Congressman Hale Boggs, Congressman Nick Begich, their aide, and the pilot vanished while flying from Anchorage to Juneau. Despite one of the largest search efforts ever conducted in the region, no wreckage, debris, or remains were ever found. The case remains unsolved and is often cited as the moment the Alaskan Triangle captured national attention.
Planes That Vanished Without a Trace
The Boggs–Begich disappearance was not an isolated incident. In 1950, a U.S. Air Force Douglas C-54 Skymaster carrying 44 people disappeared while flying from Alaska to the continental United States. Despite extensive military searches, no trace of the aircraft was ever recovered, and the fate of those on board remains unknown.
These aviation mysteries have fueled speculation for decades, especially given how suddenly these aircraft vanished and how little evidence was left behind.
Unexplained Disappearances on the Ground
The mystery of the Alaskan Triangle isn’t limited to the skies. There are also missing person cases that remain unresolved. In 1995, Leonard Lane, a 73-year-old man, vanished during a Fourth of July event in Fairbanks. Despite searches and public appeals, no clues were ever found.
In 2014, Jael Tiara Hamblen, a young woman, disappeared after going out one evening. Months later, her purse was discovered buried in snow, but she herself was never found. Cases like these continue to raise questions, especially when evidence is scarce or simply stops.
Strange Sightings and Aerial Encounters
The Alaskan Triangle has also been associated with unexplained sightings in the sky. In 1986, the crew of Japan Airlines Flight 1628 reported seeing large unidentified objects pacing their aircraft over Alaska. The objects were described as brightly lit and capable of sudden, unusual movements. Despite radar data and official documentation, the incident has never been conclusively explained.
Another frequently mentioned location is Mount Hayes, where pilots and hikers have reported strange lights and unidentified objects appearing and disappearing in the sky. These reports have persisted for decades, adding to the region’s reputation.
Legends That Predate Modern Records
Long before modern aviation and recorded disappearances, Indigenous stories warned of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting entity said to lure people away by mimicking familiar voices. While rooted in folklore, many find it unsettling how closely these stories echo modern accounts of people hearing voices or sounds before vanishing.
Nature, Mystery, and Unanswered Questions
There’s no denying that Alaska’s extreme weather and vast wilderness can explain many tragedies. Sudden storms, difficult terrain, and limited access can make survival—and recovery—nearly impossible. Still, what keeps the Alaskan Triangle so compelling is that some cases simply don’t have clear answers.
The lack of evidence, the repeated patterns, and the sheer number of unresolved incidents leave room for speculation and curiosity.
A Continuing Intrigue
Together with the Bermuda Triangle and the Michigan Triangle, the Alaskan Triangle forms a trio of modern mysteries that continue to fascinate. Whether you lean toward logic, folklore, or something in between, these stories remind us how much of our world remains unexplained.
For some, the Alaskan Triangle reflects the raw power of nature. For others, it remains one of the most intriguing mysteries of our time. Either way, it continues to invite questions—and wonder.
I hope you enjoyed exploring this mystery with me—thanks so much for stopping by!
🎄✨ Final Call! My After-Christmas Sale in the Etsy Shop wraps up tomorrow, and it’s your last chance to enjoy 50% OFF all original Christmas artwork.
From cozy wall art to hand-painted ornaments, every festive piece is marked down—no code required. If you’ve been eyeing something special or want to get a head start on next holiday season, now’s the moment to grab it before it’s gone.
🕛 The sale ends January 7th, 2026, and orders over $35 still ship free. Once it’s over, these prices won’t return!
Swing by my Etsy Shop today and claim your one-of-a-kind holiday art before the countdown hits zero. 🎨💫
The holiday season may have passed, but the festive spirit is still alive in my Etsy Shop with an After-Christmas Sale you won’t want to miss! 🎉 I’m “Sharing the Happy” with 50% OFF all my original Christmas artwork including wall decor and hand-painted ornaments—no code needed!
Whether you’re adding a little extra holiday cheer to your home or planning ahead for next year, now is the perfect time to grab one-of-a-kind art at a fantastic price! This 50% OFF sale runs through January 7th, 2026, so there’s plenty of time to shop and save on unique pieces that will brighten your space. 🛍️ Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over $35—don’t miss out!
Hop over to my Etsy Shop and grab your original artwork before the sale ends! 🎨 Thanks so much for your support!
Art journaling is such a fun way to play and get in some practice at the same time. It’s the perfect space to try out new ideas, techniques, tools, and colors without any pressure—just pure creativity.
When I make these abstract pieces, I love how the shapes and colors take on a life of their own. Simply using more or less water can create the coolest organic effects. Whether I’m brushing wet paint onto dry paper or working wet-on-wet, the results are always different, and honestly, always a little surprising!
This piece was created in my Strathmore Watercolor Journal using only three shades of blue. I added some line work and fun details with Posca pens and gold metallic markers. It turned into an interesting little design that really invites you to stop and look a bit closer.
Whatever your passion is, keep practicing and nurturing it. Doing what you love brings so much joy—and it’s amazing to see how your skills grow along the way.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
I’ve always been amazed at how a face can tell a whole story without saying a single word. One glance can share a feeling, a mood, or even a little secret. That’s why I love creating faces so much. Whether they turn out whimsical, serious, detailed, or abstract, each one brings its own unique emotion.
This particular piece was a fun practice session in my Strathmore watercolor soft-cover journal. It’s one of my first portraits using acrylic paints and inks. There were parts I really enjoyed and a few things I didn’t love as much—like blending the skin tones. I find that so much easier with watercolor, probably because I’m more used to working with it. But trying something new is all part of the adventure, right?
I still think about some of my very first watercolor portraits… those faces were definitely on the blotchy side! But that’s the beauty of learning—practice really does make a difference.
I’ve been rethinking a few things behind the scenes, so you’ll be seeing some changes coming to my Etsy shop and this site soon. I’m still working out the details, but I’ll keep you updated as everything comes together.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you a bright, happy week ahead.
We’re surrounded by pressure to achieve: perfect careers, perfect routines, perfect results. But perfection is a moving target—it shifts the moment we get close. Chasing it keeps us anxious, rushed, and rarely satisfied.
The process, however, is where growth and meaning actually live.
Perfection Steals Joy
When we obsess over flawless outcomes, we measure our worth by results alone. Miss the mark, and suddenly we feel behind or not enough. Perfection turns life into a performance instead of an experience.
The Process Builds Who We Become
Real transformation happens in the in-between moments—practicing, learning, trying again. These steps aren’t glamorous, but they’re where confidence, skill, and resilience grow. Focusing on the journey lets us celebrate progress instead of waiting for one perfect moment.
Joy Lives in Presence, Not in Flawlessness
Joy shows up in doing the thing, not in doing it perfectly: cooking for fun, creating without pressure, learning out of curiosity. When we stop striving to be flawless, we make room for enjoyment, authenticity, and courage.
Life Isn’t a Performance—It’s a Practice
Everything meaningful—love, kindness, mastery—develops over time. When we shift our attention from perfection to process, life becomes richer, calmer, and more fulfilling.
Here’s to choosing progress, presence, and joy in all you do. Go shine today—and Share the Happy ❤️
It’s the final day of my Cyber Week Sale, and if you’ve been eyeing something special in my Etsy Shop, now is the moment to grab it! Every item—yes, everything—is up to 35% off until the clock strikes midnight tonight.
Whether you’ve been waiting to pick up a gift, start your holiday shopping, or treat yourself to something handcrafted and unique, today is your last opportunity to snag these savings before they disappear.
🎁 Shop the sale, save big, and treat yourself before time runs out. ⏰ Sale ends at midnight—once it’s gone, it’s gone!
Head over to my Etsy Shop and enjoy the final hours of Cyber Week savings. Happy shopping!
Flowing Waters Art 