Sunday, August 19, 2012

Giving Flight & Giving Back 1st Anniversary Blog Hop








One year ago this month I was working at a dead end job that was paying the bills, but was physically making me ill to go there each day. It was sucking the life out of me... Such negativity on a daily basis. I was suffocating, It was aweful, I'm sure you could imagine....


I had always been creative, but wasn't sure of what I needed to do in order to achieve my dreams of being recognised like all those wonderful artists that have their beautiful artwork grace the pages of Somerset magazines, and art shows, and seemed to be so happy being able to do what they love and share their gifts with the world.

A friend recognised my eagerness to make a drastic change in my life,and sent me a link to Kelly Rae Roberts e-course. I had never taken an e-course, nor was I anywhere close believing I was a true artist.I just knew that when I was creating, it was as if my soul would sing.

This was an amazing gift that was right in front of me, it was as if the universe was hearing my pleas and my quest for answers and it flew right into my lap...everything was telling me that this is what I needed to do. I decided I NEEDED to take the e-course with Kelly Rae Roberts on Taking Flight, Giving your creative Business Wings, and I can honestly say that my life has been ever changed since.



From the course we received personal attention and mentoring from Kelly Rae Roberts, a PDF to keep forever and a private Flying Lessons "Fly Tribe" Face Book Group.
Hundreds of creatives took this course and the outcome that has come from this amazing group of women has been amazing beyond words. We have supported one another through our creative journeys and personal circumstances. A sisterhood and a bond that will never be broken. A place that is safe and positive and uplifting. I just can't say enough to express the gratitude I have for my Fly Tribe.



Wonderful things have happened for me since taking this course. I have given myself the title of "Artist" and I believe in myself and of the goodness that is inside of everyone of us....

  I have achieved goals that I did not think were possible a year ago. I ditched that crummy job. I have practiced Kindness and positive thinking daily, I have had my name published in the pages of those magazines I greatly admired, I have had artist interviews, and been the featured artist on numerous blogs and websites, and have been given the confidence of putting myself, and my work out there. I an involved with many art swap groups, and have met the most amazing people, I opened up an Etsy shop, where I SELL my artsie creations, and started my blog. Doors that were once closed are opening up and I am loving this journey that I am on.



In celebrating my gratitude, and thankfulness for the gifts that I have received this past year, and, with the help and support of my  "Fly Tribe", we have been on a mission to "Give Back."

Some of the ways that I have achieved this personal act of giving is to create Mail Art post cards that will be delivered to Rehab and Long Term Care Hospital Residents in San Francisco. I couldn't imagine the struggles that these beautiful souls encounter on a daily basis, and to be able to add some color to their world and lift their spirit with art, is a wonderful feeling.  This is an ongoing project, and if you are so inclined to send some art their way, you can find the link Here.




Another fantastic group I am involved with for "Giving Back", is a Face Book group called Art Abandonment. Little works of Art are being abandoned in various places throughout our neighborhoods and public establishments as gifts. There is a site address for the recipient to leave a message, if they are so inclined to do so, saying that they received the gift and how they felt about it. There is something so exciting about this act of giving, because you don't want anyone to see you leaving your gift. Fun and Exciting, Kindness and Compassion at it's fullest. You can join this open group Here.






Another way WE are "Giving Back" is just so exciting!!! I can hardly wait to share this one!!!

Ready?

As our Fly Tribe has all joined hands and taken flight, we wanted to do something BIG!!!  A way to Thank our mentor for giving us such strength, guidance and confidence, creating our tribe, and giving us wings...

 Kelly Rae Roberts is offering this Taking Flight e-course for the LAST time. This course starts September 17th, 2012.  A link to her course is Here.

We have achieved an amazing accomplishment and are proud to announce that WE have raised tuition for 8 courses to this amazing life changing class. And the generous Kelly Rae Roberts herself, is MATCHING the tuition for 8 more students!!! That's 16 Free CLASSES that the lucky winners will receive so far !!!! Winners will be selected by submission letters explaining their Wish to take flight. There is also a donation link if you so desire to add to the contributions to help someone achieve their creative dream!!! Kelly will announce the winners on August 29th,2012 on her blog. Best of luck to the winners!




This is just so amazing to be part of this generous movement and I am just so, very thankful, to have found such an outstanding group of positive and inspirational spirits...

Hop over to see some of the other outstanding acts of kindness as others are sharing the ways they are "Giving Back" too!

Here's the LINK to the hop!!!

~Susan Xo



47 comments:

  1. YAY YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. I loved reading about and seeing your mail art postcards and the Art of Abandonment creations - so cool! It has been just one year and already look how far you have come - I can't wait to see what is in store for you this coming year. xo

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    1. Thanks Kathleen, It warms my heart to give and practice kindness. Thank You for alll your continued support. Xo

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  3. Susan ~ this is so well said, I love it. I am so happy for you and all your giving projects. I had forgotten about the post cards for the hospital. I know you mentioned it several months ago. Good for you and congratulations! Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Thanks Linda, It's an ongoing project, I hope there will be some exposure to this great act of giving and it will gain more followers :) Happy Anniversary to you too!

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  4. You have made an amazing transformation in only a year! Congratulations for having the courage to really LIVE your creative dreams!

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    1. Aww Thanks Carolyn, so have you! We are all living our dream, how amazing is that! Happy Anniversary!

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  5. Thanks for your camaraderie and courage in your art and in your life!

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  6. Love it... so empowering to see how far you've come! Shine brightly!
    C x

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    1. Thank You Cat, It's been so much fun along the way, glad to be in such a wonderful group of lovelies!

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  7. Susan,

    I love your blog post... and your work is beautiful. It has been amazing being a flygirl with you! Thanks for the explanation on Art Abandonment, I have heard it talked about, but never understood what an amazing thing you are doing! Love it!

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    1. Thank You Kris,YES! It has been amazing, Im glad you checked out Art Abandonment, it's a good thing... as Martha would say, lol! Xo

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  8. Wonderful post, and thank you for the links to the places you give, I am inspired to do something in kind! It has been a wonderful experience flying with you this past year, Susan!

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    1. Thank You Sally, I have so enjoyed flying with you too. I love getting to see all your beautiful paintings, a dose of happy inspiration. It is delightful to see how far you have come:) Xo

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  9. You are a true inspiration! You are helping in so many artistically wonderful ways!! Love the idea of Art Abandonment!!

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    1. Thank You Stacey, You too are an Inspiration. It's been a fun year of challenges and success for all of us!

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  10. This was a delight and so uplifting to read! I am so proud of you, every artist who calls herself such and accomplishes her dreams makes the artist in me so happy! And, I'm in awe of you...the way you spread love through art makes my heart smile!

    I will check out these links!

    Congrats on creating the Life you've always wanted....here's to year after year of celebrating :)

    Hugs,
    Cameron

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    1. Aww Thanks Cameron, so sweet of you to say. You make my heart smile too! Cheers to Happy Hearts!

      And glad you get the chance to check out these groups, they would welcome you with open arms.

      Hugs~

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  11. Wow, Susan! I love this post! It is (you are!) so inspiring! I loved reading about the amazing things you do to give back. Your art is alive and full of color and vitality. What joy to stumble upon it here on your site — or out in the world! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Happy anniversary. May the next year be every bit as good to you as the last one was! :-)

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    1. Thank You Sherry! What lovely compliments!

      It has been a fabulous year, Happy Anniversary to you too. Cheers to the next being every bit as joyful!

      Xo

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  12. Hi little Flutter! So glad you stopped by! Your artwork and post are truly inspiring. I love the vintage feel of everything you do.

    Smoochies to you,
    Lenore

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    1. Aww Lonore, Iam always inspired by your lovely work as well. I love seeing all your imaginative little happy worlds of ms. rabbit and friends.

      Thank You for all your compliments too! Happy Heart here....

      Hugs~

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  14. Love the Art Abandonment FB group and the work you do. What an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing the link! What a great group we have with sharing, inclusion and giving back. What a year it has been! We have all made such strides and it has been in great company!!!
    Happy Anniversary Susan!
    xoxoxox

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    1. Thanks Deborah, I'm glad you get a chance to check the links out.

      It HAS been such a journey for all of us, happy to be in such a wonderful group and seeing all our amazing accomplishments:)

      Happy Anniversary to you too my dear!!

      Xo

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  15. Way-ta-go, Susan. I signed up for a possible scholarship. Nice to hear about your cards to the elderly. I do something like that here in Ukraine too.

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  16. Susan, what an uplifting and inspirational post!
    I'm thrilled for you and so enjoy your art. xoxo

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    1. Thank You JoAnne, so glad you hopped over to take a look. I am inspired by you too! ~Hugs

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  17. Susan this is such an amazing give away the generosity restores ones faith in gifts from the heart!It is so easy to make a difference in someones day, a smile, opening a door, art abandonment, a few kind words can make such a difference!

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    1. Oh Liz, so glad you came across the scholarship, it was a real life changer for me, and I am so very Thankful.

      I agree, it's the small things that become the big things and give the best feel goods ever!!
      ~Hugs

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  18. I have so enjoyed getting to know you this year. The giving back you're doing is wonderful. And I love your whimsical art!

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    1. Thank You Connie, It's been wonderful getting to know you too, so nice to hear from you again:) Xo

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  19. What a beautiful post. How inspiring to hear that you left your job to pursue a much more fulfilling path. Your lovely cards will bring much joy to the folks in rehab, and art abandonment sound like a wonderful way to spread love. Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Hi Wini, Yes it was time to enter the light. I have enjoyed having this time to really find myself and am having such joy being able to share it with the world:)

      Happy Anniversary to you too!

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  20. OOOH, I love your mail art postcards. What a great thing to make and do. I love all your whimsical art. So creative. Happy anniversary, my friend!

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    1. Hi Carol, Thank You. It's just a simple to make post card to brighten someones day. They come together pretty quick,and hoping for a positive impact on someone. Feels good to give something of myself to strangers...

      Happy Anniversary to you too!

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  21. Hi Susan - What a beautiful, heartfelt post. How wonderful that you have found all these special groups to share your art and give back to the community. It is such an honor to be part of the Fly Tribe.

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    1. Hi Mary,

      It HAS been a wonderful journey this past year, I am so thankful for all of you to share in the adventure!

      Xo

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  22. Hi Jamie,
    Oh thank You, I never tire haering the words "Artist". Makes me giddy!!!

    I to, am thankful for meeting all of you and having the privelege of flying with my sistas and your never ending inspiration...

    Happy Anniversary!!!

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  23. Love your post! Art Abandonment - I'm going to have to check it out since it is basically what I do with my flower power kindness. Happy Anniversary Fly Sister!

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    1. Hi Lori,
      Thanks for your lovely comments! I love what you do with your flowers, super cool girl! Happy Anniversary to you too fly sista:)

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  24. Hi Susan! Happy Anniversary! I luv'd this post! So great to walk through all the things you have achieved this past year. great Job! Can't wait to see what the future holds!

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    1. Hi Ursula,
      Happy Anniversary to you too! It's been such an amazing year for all of us:) I am excited about the future too, it's so great to have such a wonderful group to share with! Xo

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  25. Love your giving back projects so much! It's been lovely flying with you. I'm looking forward to much, much more!

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  26. so glad I have met you. I get a really positive feel from you. Thanks for this!

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