Lately

:: She Reads ::

Visioning by Lucia Capacchione and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (audiobook)

:: She Listens ::

Paper Doll from John Mayer

:: She Watches ::

Side Effects

:: She Explores ::

Pixie Campbell's 5-week online course Visual Quest begins July 29th and I took the plunge and registered! I've been called to join in since I first saw the promo video. I hope to see you there!

:: She Creates ::

Progression of Chakra Goddess, still in progress

Finishing up Journal your Life

:: She Loves ::

Taking new selfies

I took these two pictures through a scarf trying to get a "dreamy" look.

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Choosing Joy :: The Joy Up Giveaway!

For me, it all started with Spirits of Joy, seaching within to reconnect with my true self and remember the passions and dreams I had long forgotten. Part of my excavation was realizing that I am worthy of all the joy my heart could hold and what overflowed was at the ready to blanket those around me. It feels good to spread that passion for life with others and watch them unfold organically into beautiful, amazing beings.

This is why I’m hosting a giveaway for 3 spots to The Joy Up guided by the lovely Hannah Marcotti. Yes, three spots, thank you, Hannah! I want you to say, “Yes!” to:

- Showing up.
- Doing the work, but not for anyone but you. It’s your soulwork.
- To uncovering your dreams.
- Reconnecting with your joy.
- Stepping into your fiercely beautiful life.
- Seeking connection with a circle of women that your heart has been whispering for. Tribe.
- Unfolding, beautiful you.

The Joy Up begins on August 1st and runs through the 12th. Can you commit to 12 days of focusing on your joy, your self-care, your soul-care?

I’ll randomly pick three names on Wednesday evening at 6 pm CDT and post the lucky participants shortly after. To enter, leave a comment below declaring that you are chosing joy in your life.

Learn more about Hannah and the magical work she's sharing with the world at HannahMarcotti.com.

Hugs,

This giveaway is now closed.

And the lucky winners...

Cindi from Letting the Words Escape

Lisa Marie Tsering

and MPeez (Marisa)

Congratulations! Please send me an email so we can get you signed up for The Joy Up! amanda.j.stclairatgmaildotcom

Lately

:: She Reads ::

Two Whole Cakes by Lesley Kinzel

An excerpt:

"Women in particular are prone to directing their anger at themselves rather than at the pair of jeans that fails to fit both their hips and waist at the same time, as though the jeans' expectations must necessarily prevail over the actual dimensions of the body you've had for your entire life. If the jeans don't fit, it must be your fault. You should change to fit them, because the jeans are in charge here. If you refuse - silly, stubborn person that you are - then you are relegating yourself to fashion struggles in perpetuity."

So true as we always turn the blame on ourselves for a garment failing to fit properly. "I'm so fat." "My hips are too wide." "I look like I'm pregnant with triplets." yadda, yadda, yadda.

:: She Listens ::

An oldie, Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits

:: She Watches ::

Safe Haven - Loved the book and the movie!
Pitch Perfect - How come I haven't seen this movie until now? Loved it!

:: She Explores ::

June Full Moon & Solstice Celebration with Sage Goddess tonight

:: She Creates ::

Lovely journal pages for Journal your Life

:: She Loves ::

A photo walk on a (mostly) secluded beach (more pictures coming soon)

Hugs,

Lately

:: She Reads ::

Still reading Women Who Run with the Wolves + Feng Shui Your Life by Tisha Morris

:: She Listens ::

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

:: She Watches ::

Warm Bodies - super cute! + this season of True Blood premieres tonight! 

:: She Explores ::

Summer Solstice 7 Journeys with Pixie Campbell

:: She Creates ::

This cutie at the local art center

Uniquity post for The Declaration of You Blog Lovin' Tour

Finished the turquoise + magenta dreamcatcher

:: She Loves ::

Savoring Mediterranean food + art journaling brain dump

New Moleskine's for Journal your Life

Prettied up my inspiration board area

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Lately

:: She Reads ::

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

:: She Listens ::

A Drop in the Ocean by Ron Pope

:: She Watches ::

Gangster Squad with my man Ryan Gosling

:: She Explores ::

The Making Space Cleanse with Hannah Marcotti and Journal your Life with Susannah Conway. Both start tomorrow!

:: She Creates ::

Turquoise and magenta dreamcatcher in progress

:: She Loves ::

Random acts of kindness! This is a RAOK coffee I received at Starbucks on Friday. Pay it forward, baby!

CSA weekly veggie pickup

Which became a delicious salad

More found feathers

And another found heart. This one in my Teavana tea.

Hugs,

Lately

Hello, loves! I've been a bit quiet lately as I immersed myself in the Spirits of Joy prompts and vision work. It feels good to dream and work on goals and even better to uncover dreams that I didn't realize I even had!

I have some good news to share as I've lost around 18 pounds now with Jenny Craig. I was even able to fit into a pair of jeans that I haven't been able to wear in quite some time! I still have a loooong way to go but I'm on the right track.

I'm getting ready for vacation next week. I'll be spending a few days in Seattle, attending Feast Retreat, and then a few days in Portland (OR). A whole week of much needed time to travel the northwest region and time away from the everyday grind. Expect loads of pictures when I return! LOL. Have a beautiful day!

Hugs,

Lately

Over the weekend, I finished two of the four paintings I started while taking Flora Bowley's Bloom True ecourse. This one is called Free:

This one is called Dreams Unleashed:

I went to a walking meditation, sitting meditation, and dharma talk at a nearby buddhist monastery on Saturday.

This is during the dharma talk given by the buddhist nun:

The monastery dog, Bodhi, continued to meditate even after we were finished. :-)

Gorgeous meditation room inside the monastery.

Hugs,