Big Announcement: Hermana Sagrada

A special announcement today for all of you who have supported the artistic journey I am on and for others who will join. I have been working on so many projects the last several months. Days have run into late nights...writing...painting...dreaming. (excuse me if I take a minute to get to the announcement but ya'll know I like to write :)

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage are not always comfortable but they are never weakness" Brene Brown

Just taking chances doing what I love everyday. Really putting myself out there...committing to authenticity...it's scary...I feel vulnerable a lot.  I just painted my Legendary Self to remind me that I am courage (heart strong). When I get up in the morning I intend not to focus on the negative things...like if anyone would "buy-in" or "invest" in my art... or my dreams for that matter. ...I intend not to focus on hard things...like the thoughts that sometimes pop in my mind about not being good enough....I intend not to focus on the money things....like having to pay all kind of bills on a very limited income. 

I think we all have these feelings and thoughts but I have learned that even though it can be tough, to just do the things I set out to do anyway...despite the uncomfortable-ness. For the most part I have been doing good. I believe in abundance consciousness and I am DARING GREATLY like Brene´says!

I have craved collaboration with other artists for... always! There is something magically special that happens when we gather specifically to create something together. I call it the SOUL GOOD feeling. I love that feeling! 

are you ready to hear the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT?

My friend Claudia and I are joining together to bring to YOU: HERMANA SAGRADA. That means Sacred Sister in Spanish. (by the way I added a translate button to the top of my blog for those friends in Italy, Puerto Rico, and France that have asked me to do so....I am so loving my Sacred International Sisters!)

Our aim is to help bring forth the beauty in every woman ALL OVER THE WORLD through community, writing, painting and celebrating our CORAZON SAGRADO (Sacred Hearts)

Ask me...go ahead and ask me why we are doing this.

Why are you and Claudia doing this Sofia?

Honestly...out of love, and to honor the sacred connection we experienced together. We would like to share the story with you and share our little Hermanita Casa with you all. 

Mark your calendars! We will open our online Facebook Forum on May 1st with loads of freebies, small gatherings, big gatherings, lessons, and more! Our goal is to make healing through art as accessible as possible to everyone while honoring what is sacred! 

We are delighted for you to be a part of it! 

Just Put It On The Canvas Ya'll!

I have been thinking about my tag line lately...

It can evoke some kind of emotion within when you look at artwork or when use any of your other many senses to experience it... also...it can make you feel relieved when you release your soul as you create it. 

"Art" is about FEELINGS and moving through those emotions as you create it. For me this happens through painting. It could be a different "creation" for you but it is still about the feelings. Never has this been more clear to me than now. My COW training is allowing me to break open internal pieces of myself that need attention and nurturing. Can I just say this process is freaking amazing. 

The process is freaking amazing ya'll!

Many of you know of my traveling art journal The Goddess Chronicles. If not you can click and read about this very inspiring project. It has touched so many in very profound ways. I wish that I could somehow put together all of the responses, messages, phone calls, texts, and emails. Just to have them in one place to somehow share the wealth! The richness of how moving it is to be in the center of such a loving place.

Today I wanted to share one of my experiences with this "art work" that I have INTENTIONALLY created for myself and those it has resonated with. I received a message from sweet Ann that asked me for advice.  Here is the email I received:

Hi Goddess Sofia, (yes ya'll, a Goddess I am! but anyway keep reading)

I've been going through a very tough time lately with a lot of transitions -- some good (getting married in May) and some not so good (dad is very ill, business is going poorly, etc.).  So, I'm sorry to say that I've had no inspiration to do the journal. I am not sure what to do. I've been meaning to reach out to you to figure out whether I should just pass it on and maybe try again later?  What do you think?





I sat with this email for just a minute before I started to type away. Pass it on? I thought? I don't think so! Remember that the only inspiration you need is WITHIN YOU! Nothing outside of you will MOVE you. It can influence you but YOU will do the work! This is the ART! 

My reply to this was:

Take out your page from the journal and send the rest of it off to the next goddess that way we won't hold them up. everyone is on a time limit with this project and we can't have it sit for too long in one place. (hugs)

Now, put your page in a place that you can see it everyday. remember art is NOT about what it looks like but about how it makes you FEEL. I challenge you to pour your heart out onto these pages...the good, the bad, ugly...EVERYTHING! be intentional about this Anna. 

You do not need positive inspiration, really you don't. YOU have EVERYTHING YOU NEED INSIDE RIGHT NOW! 

What you need is INTENTION. a time to focus on putting whatever will come out onto this blank page. Light a couple of candles, say a prayer if you do that, meditate a little on what you are feeling...if you feel like shit then PAINT THAT. what does that look like to you? At the same time do you feel JOY about getting married...then paint that on top of that shitty layer and you will see what a difference it will make in you. I promise. 

Get all the crap out first! sadness, shame, fear, loss. let it dry.. FEEL it and then make a CHOICE to let it go. Make a choice to change what you can change or make a choice to ACCEPT what is. Make a choice to find the JOY and BEAUTY around you in that very moment. Then PAINT it! 

What colors will you use for your wedding theme or party...use those...what is your favorite flower? recall from memory and paint it on your page. what is your BIGGEST DREAM? share that with a little goddess who will NO DOUBT experience the energy you put into this project. It will become HER dream! (you are POWERFUL!)

This will not change the status of your father, it may not change the day to day of your business but I KNOW that you will FEEL different about it all. even if just the slightest shift occurs in the right direction you will FEEL it!!

When you feel better you have HOPE and when you have hope you can MOVE into the next step...you EVOLVE into the next best version of you and EVERYTHING is affected. 

It may actually inspire something new in your business, it may help you to know and believe that on a deep, deep level only FELT with your HEART that your father IS divine health and pure LOVE! HE IS and will ALWAYS be connected to you my dear Ann. 

Do you think that you can find a focused time just for you? to do this SOUL work? Cleanse yourself allow some fun and COLOR in your life right now. 

I believe in you Ann. You can do this and you will rise to meet a stronger, creative version of you if you INTEND it. 

In the same day I received a picture from Ann that gave me chills! I can't post it entirely here because ultimately it is going in The Goddess Chronicles book that we are trying to publish. It has to be fresh for the publisher and readers. But I will give you a taste up there. Shh!!  :)

Ann emailed me back to express her gratitude for my love, wisdom and compassion (her words). As I write this I realize that this is my ART WORK. This is my JOB. I facilitate creativity! I AM CALLED to this! You won't believe this but it's true...as I look behind me at my little altar of super important things...I see HER...My SOUL-FIRE...she came to me in NYC through Shiloh's gentle guidance. These are the words she holds for me...the words that rang TRUE in my interaction with Ann:

I am showing up in creative ways everyday with love, wisdom, and faith. I am called to facilitate creativity, to create magic in the world and hearts of women, men, and children.

You have the power! Sometimes you may think you don't but you do! 

JUST PUT IT ON THE CANVAS YA'LL!

Color of Woman: Kachina

Hello beautiful people!

April has been a most contemplative month for me. I have been writing and dreaming about creating my life around the things that matter most and that I love the most. I have had to slow down and really take a rest. I can see how the first quarter of my "Luminous" year was about laying the foundation for the new future. 

Journal Cover for friend 2013

As I begin a new quarter of 2013 I prepare for a time of building up taking care to construct a framework that will hold. I look forward to the next three months on my journey of living whole-heartedly, authentically, intentionally... feeling my way through. I must remember to be gentle with myself, as I have been told self-care is paramount now. 

Living intentionally takes practice and I have committed to my painting and my Color of Woman Training this month and for the next five months. My intention is to heal my soul, help those around me heal, and hold hands with fellow sisters, as we boldly transform a global society with paintbrushes in hand! Please support my fundraiser towards this end. I appreciate any and everyone's help. 

This is my first painting from the training my mentor Shiloh Sophia facilitated in our class. I am kind of in love with her. I would like to introduce you to Kachina, she is my legendary self. We have spent the last three weeks together. I have gotten to know her intimately and she reminds me of my strength. She came through the portal of my canvas and now I will share her with the world. 

This month I have remembered that I am inspired by:

• vibrant paint colors
• Klimt
• Under the Tuscan Sun the movie and the book
• Rome, Milan, and Florence, Italy
• family
• my nieces
• My husband Jeff
• UNITY of SA
• my friends online and off
• Flowers whenever
• brisk autumn days full of oranges, reds, and yellows
• artwork that speaks to my soul
• Pavarotti's nessun dorma on surround sound very loud :)
• writing about my emotions
• connecting with kindreds
• music in general makes me come alive
• Traveling
• giving my heart away through art
• candles
• a hot shower
• Collaborating with others

What inspires you? What makes you light up with Joy? Tell us. Then do one thing today that will move your towards that joy! I dare you! 

Color of Woman: Magical!

Hello Butterflies!

I just wanted to pop in and share my first post documenting my Color of Woman Art School Teacher Training Program. If I could use just one word to describe my feelings it would be MAGICAL.

It has been a great experience with a community of women who truly value artistic expression through confronting our Critic and moving with our Muse. Women have gathered from all corners of the world! Just this weekend the incredible Shiloh Sophia and her marvelous team completed a livestreaming painting session over two glorious days. I am amazed at her generosity, her loving and giving nature... (big breath of gratitude.) I have learned so much in the last two weeks about myself and how this training can change the lives of people it touches.

When I came back from NYC and realized that I need to take this training I painted this picture below. Showing her progression. I call her Mary. I am so connected to Mary Magdalene. Since I was a child she has been a strong image of love, awareness, gratitude, protection and strength. I knew it was her when I saw her come onto the canvas. This is definitely Shiloh inspired!

Beautiful Mary

I have taken a short break from social media and have been quiet lately really meditating on my purpose within the group and how I can teach these principles in my local community. I love being intentional with my Muse. It has been an emotional and spiritual practice. I feel really connected to my canvas and the face that is emerges every time I allow myself to be open.

Here is another progression. She is special. She is a Legendary Warrior Goddess. She is far from finished. I am only on step 5 of the 13 step process. I can't wait to see her fully formed!

 

 

On top of that I am learning to be less controlled with my painting. This idea seemed easy enough at first but I catch myself wanting my strokes to be just perfect...I am learning that there is true beauty in the imperfections and it definitely is speaks to my tag line that... art is not about what it looks like but about how it makes you feel. 

I still need to invest in some Golden Fluids Paint and paintbrushes. I was so happy to find large canvas on sale last week! I have found that professional supplies really make a difference with this method. Speaking of investing, I would invite you to help me with my fundraiser Sofia's Dream resonates with you. I am so grateful for my supporters that have already generously donated to my Color of Woman School Training Program! Thank you so much. I am looking forward to raising enough money this summer to meet my mentor and all the sister teachers in person in July! Wish me luck. 

Wildsister of The Year Awards 2013!

I am a Wild Sister! Last year I invested in this online magazine and it was indeed like green juice for my soul! I have devoured every issue since I began my membership. I love that Wild Sister Magazine stands for empowerment and community! I am all over anything that helps  me feel better about myself and helps me to practice self-love! I wish the same for you all. You can find a FREE sampler at the above link or check out the sidebar on the right if you want to purchase a membership. I promise that you won't regret it. 

I was also honored when Jen Saunders (Creator and Chief Wild Sister) asked me to add an article and put my artwork on the cover of the February edition! Look at what Jen is up to now! Read below as she announces the Wild Sister of the Year Awards 2013. You can nominate yourself or you can please take the time to nominate someone you feel deserves this! You can make a Wild Sister's day! And it just feels good to honor someone who has changed you in someway.

Jen's words: I am beyond excited to announce the first annual Wild Sister of the Year Awards! I have dreamed about doing this since the day I started Wild Sister Magazine.

Wild Sister Magazine & the Wild Sisterhood are all about inspiring women to love themselves, follow their bliss and change the change the world.

I know there are so many women in our global community who are living examples of our message and I'm both thrilled and honoured to be able to reward and celebrate some of these wild sisters.

The Wild Sister of the Year Awards is just one way that we want to give back and continue to spread our message of love, inspiration and empowerment.

These awards are open to all women and girls of any age, from anywhere in the world!

Read on to find out all the juicy goss, such as the prizes on offer, how to apply/nominate and the women who'll be crowning this year's winner.

PRIZES

Winner receives:

1. $1,000 to go towards your dreams/goals/cause.

2. Wild Sisterhood Membership to surround you with positivity + encouragement + give you all the inspiration you need to make your dreams come true.

3. A feature on you in the July issue of Wild Sister Magazine + on the Wild Sister blog.

4. A sparkly ‘Wild Sister of the Year 2013’ button for your blog.

People's Choice Winner receives:

1. Wild Sisterhood Membership to surround you with positivity + encouragement + give you all the inspiration you need to make your dreams come true.

2. A feature on you in the July issue of Wild Sister Magazine + on the Wild Sister blog.

3. A sparkly ‘Wild Sister of the Year 2013: People’s Choice’ button for your blog.

Finalists receive:

1. Group feature in the June edition of Wild Sister Magazine.

2. Sparkly ‘Wild Sister of the Year Finalist 2013’ blog button.

___________________________________________

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

The Wild Sister of the Year is someone who is kind, compassionate, optimistic and not afraid to be herself.

She’s a trail-blazer and world-changer, passionate about her work and always looking for the positives in any situation.

She believes in herself and is determined to make our world a better place.

She has overcome a lot and stayed positive through it all, and she could really use $1,000 and Wild Sisterhood membership to get closer to her dreams.

She fits into one or more of these categories:

• Fights for the rights of equality, animals, the environment or women.

• Spreads a message of love, positivity, health and kindness

• Runs (or wants to start) a non-profit

• Runs (or wants to start) her own business that will allow her to live her passion and change lives

• Uses her words/art/writing/photography/dance/expertise to inspire others 

___________________________________________

HOW TO ENTER/NOMINATE:

To enter, all you need to do is provide links to your blog and social media {Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc} and answer these questions in 300 words or less:

{NOTE: if you are nominating someone, send the above details and answer these questions about the woman you are nominating}

1. What makes you a Wild Sister?

2. How are you changing the world?

3. How will being named Wild Sister of the Year change your life? How will you use the $1,000?

Email your answers and links to wsoftheyear(at)wildsister(dot)com with 'WS of the Year Entry' in the subject line.

___________________________________________

IMPORTANT DATES:

Entries Open: Monday 1st April 2013

Entries Close: Monday 27th May 2013 

5 Finalists Announced: Monday June 3rd 2013 

Voting Opens: Monday June 10th 2013

Voting Closes: Friday June 28th 2013 

Winners Announced: Monday July 1st 2013

Get to Know Sacred Heart Teacher Shann Vander Leek

Have you heard about the Sacred Heart Teachings by Shann Vander Leek?

Shann is a self-care enthusiast who believes we must remove the barriers that keep us from experiencing joy and compassionate self-care. 

Shann's multi-dimensional program shines, and your reflective mirror will be polished working through the experience. This new program will shed light on your path and will show you how to scrub the mirror clean.

Shann Vander Leek is the founder of True Balance International, co-founder of Anxiety Slayer, author of Life on Your Terms, and creator of the Sacred Heart Teachings. Shann coaches powerful women in transition who are ready to reclaim their feminine sovereignty and transform their precious lives. She is a mama, author, entrepreneur, artist, and mentor to the women who are attracted to her transformational work. Shann's courageous journey of self-discovery includes professional coaching certification, yoga teacher training, silent retreat, deep shadow work, Artist's Way facilitation, wise women circles and healing sweat lodge ceremonies. Check out Shann's supportive new digital program, The Transformation Goddess: Sacred Heart Teachings - a pathway to heal your past, open your heart and experience more joy at www.transformationgoddess.com.

See what Shann says below about The Sacred Heart Teachings:

As a transformational coach and self-care enthusiast, I believe we must remove the barriers within that keep us from experiencing joy and compassionate self-care. We subconsciously erect protective walls around our hearts to insulate ourselves from the pain and trauma we once endured.

The Sacred Heart Teachings are a pathway (a guide) to open your heart and heal your past so you can experience more joy. This multimedia experience includes an outpouring of empathy and awareness of the female experience. Each of us deserves to understand that beneath our personal stories of pain and discomfort, we can access wholeness, love, and compassion.

This program is for women who are brave enough to dance with their shadows, wipe the mirror clean and bust their precious hearts wide open. My hope is that many will begin to heal their hearts with this experience.

Getting to Know Rachél Payne

This week I would like to introduce another creative sister, Rachél. I first met Rachél in August of 2011. She radiates a zeal and zest for life and art. Show her some butterfly love by leaving her a comment below. 

When I first meet someone new, I like to start by explaining my name.  I looks like Rachél but it sounds like Rah-shell.  I like to claim that my dad was a creative speller.   




As an artist, one of my first subjects to explore was archetypal female figures.  You see, I lost my mom about the same time I took up visual art.  She was an artist, and I inherited her supplies.  I was working on a degree in theatre at the time.  Somehow exploring that big idea of the feminine spirit with her brush and paint helped me connect to her and more deeply to myself.  

I looked for the Feminine in stories, cultural imagery, and in the everyday things we take for granted, like the way my grandmother's crochet resembled a spider's web or the realization that the Moon had a rhythm in the same way my body did.  All of these little things grew more and more meaningful for me when I connected them to my discovery of what it meant to be a woman. 

Art had such a profound curative effect on me that I  have sometimes wondered if Mom had a hand in leading me to it.  For most of my life up until that point, I felt like art was off bounds.  I assumed everyone got one talent, one big gift.  There was not doubt that acting was mine.  So when I began my journey as a visual artist, I was surprised, delighted but surprised.  

That's when I realized anyone could be an artist, anyone who wanted.  Learning to draw wasn't much different than learning to write.  It was a language of symbols.  The more art I did and the deeper I invited myself to go the less I identified with a wounded spirit.  After much personal exploration, I imagined helping others delve into their inner world and express themselves through all forms of creativity.  One day I said to myself, "What if we took Self-Confidence in Creativity classes in school?"  and a dream was birthed. 

I followed that dream back to the university for a Masters in Counseling and now give it wings as a Certified Life Coach and Creativity Mentor.  My website, Creativity Tribe, is a sanctuary for creative spirits.  It is a place I have created to share my art and writings along with that dream of helping others discover the confidence to express themselves in any number of creative ways. 

 

My current adventure sets out to do that through Creative Sacred Play.  For most of the month of April, I am touring Middle America from South Texas to Wisconsin for the Creatives Celebrating Sisterhood Art Retreat.  Along the way I am going to be playing Gypsy Wild Woman, one of my many Inner Wanna Be's.  What fun to travel the world letting my Bohemian spirit lead the way, crazy scarves around my neck and layers of bangles up my arm.

Early in April, I issued an invitation to creatives to join me in a social experiment called Journey of the Inner Wanna Be's, a collaborative investigation of those parts of ourselves we don't yet have the confidence to live with authenticity. 

This project offers opportunities to do art projects with me, journaling activities, blog and video posts, and connect with me on my trip.....or simply be a fly on the wall... as the Creativity Tribe dives into the world of imagination and brings a few treasures back to make life a bit richer. I hope you will consider following along or joining us.  Come play creative!