The Origins of Mother’s Day: Unveiling Its Heartfelt History

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Photo by Jennifer Murray on Pexels.com

With Mother’s Day just three days away, I thought it’d be fun to take a quick look at where this heartfelt holiday actually came from. 💐

Believe it or not, Mother’s Day in the U.S. has roots in both ancient traditions and one woman’s heartfelt mission. While cultures around the world have honored motherhood for centuries (think ancient Greek festivals for Rhea, the mother of the gods), the modern version we know today was largely shaped by a woman named Anna Jarvis (pictured below).

After her own mother passed away, Anna wanted to create a national day to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Her efforts paid off—in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States. 🇺🇸

Though Anna Jarvis succeeded in creating a national day to honor mothers, she later felt disheartened by how commercialized it had become. Her original vision was simple and sincere—think handwritten notes, heartfelt words, and quiet acts of love.

As Mother’s Day draws near, whether you’re celebrating a mom, honoring a mother figure, or quietly remembering someone you hold dear—let’s come back to the heart of it all: love, gratitude, and meaningful connection. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. Sometimes, the smallest gestures say the most.

I’d love to know—how are you planning to honor Mother’s Day this year? 🌸

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🌷Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!🌷

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Vibrant 5×7 Original Painting: Sugar Pop

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I’m so excited to share my newest mini painting, Sugar Pop! This 5×7 inch original abstract artwork is bursting with vibrant joy and playful energy—perfect for anyone who loves bold color and modern charm.

Painted on a sturdy 1.5-inch deep canvas, Sugar Pop features a lively blend of turquoise, ultramarine, pink, lavender, and sunny yellow. Whimsical white splatters, pink and white circles, purple squares, and a touch of glitter—bringing this little piece to life.

It’s ready to display right out of the box—no frame needed! Whether you prop it on a shelf, nestle it into a colorful gallery wall, or brighten up a cozy corner, Sugar Pop adds a sweet pop of personality wherever it goes.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece, and once it’s gone, it’s gone!

👉 Head over to my Etsy Shop, to grab Sugar Pop and explore more joyful abstracts created to make your space shine.

Thank you so much for reading—and for supporting my art. Your encouragement means the world to me and allows me to keep creating pieces that bring joy and color to the world.

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The Journey of Line Abstracts: Colorful New Creations

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I’ve been exploring a new direction in my line abstract series—this time with looser tangles and bolder color choices. These two new 8×8-inch pieces feature playful, wandering pen lines paired with watercolor accents that bring each work to life in its own unique way.

One piece glows with soft, expressive pinks—gentle, airy, and full of warmth. The other makes a bold statement with electric, neon-inspired hues that practically leap off the page. Each began with a single continuous line, twisting and curving freely across the paper. After the lines find their rhythm, I step back and let the shapes suggest where the color wants to go.

It’s always a bit of a surprise—how lines that wander freely and break all the rules still manage to create a sense of quiet. Maybe that’s the beauty of letting go.

There’s more to come in this evolving series, so stay tuned!

Wishing you a bright and creative weekend, and thank you so much for stopping by.

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How to Build a Consistent Fitness Habit

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Photo by TMS Sam on Pexels.com

Let’s be real—staying motivated to move your body regularly isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, energy dips, and sometimes your bed just looks way more appealing than your sneakers. But building a consistent fitness habit is more about small mindset shifts than sheer willpower.

Here are a few gentle tips to help you stay on track (without burning out):

💪 1. Remember your “why.”
Instead of chasing a number, focus on how movement makes you feel—stronger, calmer, more energized.

🧠 2. Set small, doable goals.
A 10-minute stretch counts. So does a walk around the block. Motivation grows when goals feel achievable.

🎧 3. Make it fun.
Hate running? Don’t run! Try dancing, hiking, or a fun workout playlist that makes you want to move.

📅 4. Schedule it like a meeting.
Treat your workout like an important date with yourself—and keep that promise.

💬 5. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
Consistency beats intensity. Give yourself credit for showing up, even if it’s just a little.

🌱 Fitness is a journey, not a race. The goal is to keep going—not to be perfect. One step, one rep, one day at a time. You’ve got this! 😉

Thanks so much for stopping by—hope this gave you a little boost of motivation today!

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Chocolate Decadence: A Vibrant Abstract Painting

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Looking to elevate your space with a unique, vibrant piece of art? Look no further than “Chocolate Decadence”—a stunning 8×10 inch abstract painting that combines bold color with an undeniable sense of energy. This original artwork is now available in my Etsy Shop, and it’s ready to bring a burst of joy to your home or office.

A Bold Fusion of Colors

“Chocolate Decadence” is all about rich contrast and lively interplay. The deep, inviting chocolate browns are complemented by electric bursts of turquoise blue, vibrant reds, soft lavender, and playful pinks. But the magic doesn’t stop there. The addition of shimmering gold accents brings this piece to life, catching the light and creating a layered, dynamic effect. The cheerful shapes give the painting a sense of movement and energy, making it a perfect focal point for any room.

Versatile, Unique, and Ready to Hang

Whether you’re looking to freshen up a cozy nook, brighten up a gallery wall, or surprise someone special with a truly one-of-a-kind gift, “Chocolate Decadence” delivers color, character, and warmth in one beautiful package. And because it’s sealed for lasting beauty, this piece will continue to impress for years to come.

This painting is ready to hang right out of the box—no framing required! With its vibrant colors, “Chocolate Decadence” makes a bold statement in any space, whether it’s your living room, office, or bedroom.

Available Exclusively in my Etsy Shop

Thanks so much for stopping by—and as always, thank you for supporting my art. It means the world to me.

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New Line Abstracts in the Studio: Calm in the Chaos

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I’ve been working on a fresh series of line abstracts that combine pen work with watercolor accents—and I’m really enjoying the contrast. The first piece features rich jewel tones tucked into a few of the shapes formed by the lines, while the second brings in a calming mix of greens and blues.

Each piece begins with free-flowing pen lines that twist and tangle across the page. Then I pause, letting the organic shapes that emerge guide where the watercolor flows. What people often tell me they love most is how, despite the wild and unpredictable nature of the lines, the finished piece feels surprisingly peaceful to look at.

I have to agree—there’s something truly beautiful about discovering calm within the chaos.

More pieces are on the way as this series continues to unfold.

Wishing you a lovely weekend, and thank you so much for stopping by!

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Lessons from Mozart: Unlocking Creative Genius

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is often hailed as one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time—and for good reason. Born in 1756, he composed over 600 works in his short 35 years of life, spanning symphonies, operas, concertos, and choral pieces that continue to move audiences today. But beyond the notes and melodies lies something even more fascinating: what Mozart’s life can teach us about creativity, passion, and purpose.

1. Start Young, Stay Curious

Mozart began composing at age five and performed for royalty as a child prodigy. But his early talent wasn’t just about raw genius—it was also nurtured by a deep curiosity and a supportive (if intense) musical environment.

Takeaway: Whether you’re starting at five or fifty, nurturing curiosity and surrounding yourself with inspiration can unlock powerful creative energy.

2. Practice Doesn’t Kill Passion—It Fuels It

Mozart wasn’t just naturally gifted—he worked incredibly hard. He was constantly composing, revising, performing, and pushing boundaries.

Fun fact: In 1784 alone, he wrote six piano concertos, each one rich with emotion and complexity.

Takeaway: Passion and discipline go hand in hand. Your creativity grows stronger with consistent effort, not despite it.

3. Innovation Isn’t Always Loud

Mozart didn’t need shocking gimmicks to innovate. He infused his music with unexpected twists—modulating keys, layering harmonies, and playing with structure—while still honoring the beauty of classical form.

Takeaway: True creativity isn’t about being flashy; it’s about bringing fresh life to your craft in your own voice.

4. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time

Mozart faced illness, financial hardship, and professional rivalries. He didn’t live in a bubble of ease. And yet—he created masterpieces that are still performed centuries later.

Takeaway: Conditions may never be perfect. Create anyway. Your voice matters, even if the timing feels messy.

5. Leave a Legacy Through Your Passion

Mozart died young—just 35 years old—but the legacy he left behind is timeless. His music lives on because he poured heart, soul, and unshakable dedication into everything he did.

Takeaway: You don’t have to be world-famous to leave something meaningful behind. When you create from your heart, you never know who you’ll inspire—even long after you’re gone.

Final Thoughts

Mozart reminds us that creativity isn’t about waiting for a muse—it’s about showing up, playing with ideas, and letting passion drive the process. Whether you’re painting, writing, composing, or starting a business, take a page from Mozart’s book: begin with wonder, work with joy, and let your creativity sing.

Thanks so much for stopping by—wishing you a truly wonderful day!

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Transform Your Space with ‘Stillness’: A Calming Art Piece

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Some pieces come together with a certain calm—like they know exactly what they want to be from the start. Stillness is one of those rare works. Created during a quiet afternoon in the studio, this 5×7 inch abstract painting holds a sense of peace and presence that I felt the moment the colors began to flow.

Soft earth tones blend with calming greens, gentle touches of lavender, turquoise blue, and a hint of subtle shimmer. Circular forms and meandering lines dance lightly across the canvas, creating a sense of movement without haste—like leaves floating on a breeze or ripples spreading across a quiet lake.

There’s warmth here. Joy. A grounded sense of tranquility that makes Stillness a peaceful pop of color for any space. Its slim 5×7 inch profile is perfectly sized for a shelf, desktop, or cozy corner—and it looks just as lovely framed or unframed. Carefully sealed for lasting vibrance, this little piece is ready to bring a gentle, uplifting energy wherever it lives.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or a little moment of calm for yourself, Stillness might be just the piece you’ve been waiting for.

🖼️ “Stillness” is now available in my Etsy Shop!

Thank you so much for reading—and as always, thank you for supporting my art. It means more than you know.

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Exploring the Magic of Accordion Art Journals

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There’s something uniquely delightful about working in a handmade journal and letting creativity spill across the pages. Lately, I’ve been diving into my very own and first, accordion-concertina art journal, that is part of the Art Sparks online course by the ever-inspiring Joanne Sharpe (@joannesharpe). If you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you already know how her imaginative approach fuels fresh ideas and brings your creative energy to life. If not, I can’t recommend her courses enough—every lesson feels like a personal invitation to play.

My first few journal pages are coming to life with vibrant layers of color, cut-out flowers, and collaged whimsical shapes—all brought together with two delightful little pockets tucked into the left and right sides. While I might go back and add a few more details here and there, I’m giving myself the gift of time—letting the ideas simmer, evolve, and grow organically. This slow, joyful approach is a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t always need to be rushed. It’s not about the finish line; it’s about what we learn along the way.

What’s stood out to me in this process is how art journaling builds a daily habit of learning. Each time I sit down, I discover something new—about color, composition, or even my own creative moods. Sometimes it’s a technical insight, like balancing a busy page; other times, it’s simply about letting go and enjoying the moment. Art journaling invites constant exploration, and the accordion format makes it all the more playful and satisfying as it unfolds.

If you’ve never tried working in an accordion-concertina journal, I highly recommend giving it a go. The continuous flow of the pages invites new perspectives and ideas that just don’t happen in a traditional book layout. There’s something magical about seeing your artwork stretch and connect across folds—it feels alive.

Have you ever experimented with this kind of journal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s chat!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative weekend, thanks for stopping by!

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Celebrate a Joyful Easter: Embrace Creativity and Renewal

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Easter is almost here, and with it comes a breath of fresh air—literally and creatively. The soft colors of spring, blooming flowers, and longer days bring a sense of renewal that feels like a gentle nudge to slow down and savor the beauty around us.

Whether you’re spending the day dyeing eggs, sharing a meal with loved ones, or simply soaking in the sunshine, Easter is a sweet reminder that after every winter, something beautiful blooms again.

As an artist, I find so much inspiration in this season—pastels, florals, and the feeling of lightness that seems to dance through the air. It’s the perfect time to let your creativity stretch its wings, try something new, or simply enjoy the process of making without pressure.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope this Easter fills your heart with peace, your home with laughter, and maybe your sketchbook with a few fresh ideas too.

Wishing you a joyful, art-filled Easter Sunday!💐

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