tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post1973455310436606352..comments2024-02-14T00:28:37.521-08:00Comments on Shirley's Illustrations: My Toolbox Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-7742154786483057402014-09-24T11:19:27.491-07:002014-09-24T11:19:27.491-07:00I'm doing fine thanks Shirley... trying to get...I'm doing fine thanks Shirley... trying to get back to creating images :)<br />Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794603896579291245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-31239363408718405882014-09-24T00:47:46.657-07:002014-09-24T00:47:46.657-07:00Thanks for sharing Shirley, i have the same hamst...Thanks for sharing Shirley, i have the same hamster wheel feeling, i guess it happens because an artist is never completely satisfied with his work. <br />Exercise help a lot to free your mind and lower stress level: as you i try to go for a long walk through the nature at least once a week and when i go back home my body is tired but my mind is reinvigorated!Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18223479155113851857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-7735556990106303552014-09-23T23:58:58.510-07:002014-09-23T23:58:58.510-07:00Julie, I sincerely appreciate your super generous ...Julie, I sincerely appreciate your super generous words about my work..many thanks!! I definitely can get on that hamster wheel and spin myself crazy..so yes, it's great to get off and get some perspective. Thank you for the reminder to ease off on that gas pedal! :) Hope you've been well and thanks for taking the time to comment!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-14698254855224363152014-09-23T23:57:13.843-07:002014-09-23T23:57:13.843-07:00Monica! Thank you so very much..it's great to ...Monica! Thank you so very much..it's great to hear that I am not the only one! Hugs to you too..you have been such a great buddy out here on the web..thank you so much for your years of support. I am here for you too!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-80465271585813617442014-09-23T14:09:06.619-07:002014-09-23T14:09:06.619-07:00Lovely post Shirley, i love your work and also get...Lovely post Shirley, i love your work and also get that warm fuzzy feeling over your cute characters as someone mentioned above. You've certainly instigated some responses here as the comments show, we all feel like this, probably most of the time. YOU work SO hard, I couldn't believe all the work you were doing, this is all good, I think you are driven and it shows, but do give yourself time, especially the exercise time, it is VERY good for you. I know other people who have done the mats courses,etc, I think they are a positive thing, but just go steady :)Julie Clay Illustrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08921769068494507312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-43915423042791710192014-09-23T08:18:57.385-07:002014-09-23T08:18:57.385-07:00What a beautiful post, I totally understand how yo...What a beautiful post, I totally understand how you feel,I had the same problems and feelings. Don't give up,you are not alone, Hugs:) And I love your illustrations,they are so beautiful.theartofpurohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12540540687204124967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-59874881353876010662014-09-22T20:37:33.101-07:002014-09-22T20:37:33.101-07:00Oh what generous thoughts and words, Elizabeth. I&...Oh what generous thoughts and words, Elizabeth. I'm really really grateful that you posted here and shared your experience with walking and exercise and how it benefits you, the amazing artist that you are. It is definitely inspiring for me to hear of your clarity during meditation and exercise....awesome! With patience, perseverence and being a little less hard on myself, I hope to get there. And yes, I am seeing the other side of the missed opportunities as definitely growth and learning experience..and for that I am grateful. You are so kind, I am grateful that I've been able to see your amazing work through the years and thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom. Hugs to you, Elizabeth!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-61871362482976616952014-09-22T20:32:53.569-07:002014-09-22T20:32:53.569-07:00Karen! I am grateful that we've known each oth...Karen! I am grateful that we've known each other for so long now here at our blogs..what a fabulous fabulous gift it is. I have seen such amazing successes in your work my friend! Woweee!! I need to see your piece, Karen! Frankly I viewed the GTS 999 one day, swiftly, but now I will scour it to see yours. It's great to hear you had fun making the piece..that is key. I had a great time making mine too..I laugh at the raccoon for sure..and that was good to get out of my system and enjoy during the whole process. OK, I'm gonna go check it out! Hugs to you!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-54486969557855452202014-09-22T20:29:27.707-07:002014-09-22T20:29:27.707-07:00Mit! Thank you thank you so very much!! Your words...Mit! Thank you thank you so very much!! Your words mean a great deal! I LOVE your fabulously fun characters and your work always makes me smile. It resonates with me, too! Yes, that roller coaster got a bit BIG this year..but I'm glad I've gotten off for a bit to see the sights. Thank you for saying my work is worthy..I know it's what I have to do because I love doing it so much..so thank you for the validation!! <br /><br />I am wishing you a beautiful fall and hope that your mornings become easier and easier..wish me luck as it gets into winter...yikes!!<br />Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-46390098374384507582014-09-22T20:26:42.856-07:002014-09-22T20:26:42.856-07:00How awesome to hear from you Michele - and I am re...How awesome to hear from you Michele - and I am really glad I posted this as it sure feels like we all experience these periods from time to time..the good thing though is that it really forces us to reach down and figure out what will help us push through and persevere! I sometimes wonder if too much internet is a bad thing. I know it definitely can suck up a lot of time, but there are definite benefits for sure. I've gotten to know you through the years and that is an excellent thing. I hope you've been well and working on some wonderful projects! You are so kind re: the ocean piece..thank you!! Wishing you a lovely Fall ahead!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-58175578890793534962014-09-22T20:23:56.399-07:002014-09-22T20:23:56.399-07:00You my friend have been SUCH a great support throu...You my friend have been SUCH a great support through all of bootcamp and GTS and even beforehand..I thank you so much for your wisdom and shots of good energy..they've been greatly appreciated! It's great to hear about your exercise regime and what's in your toolbox..such powerful tools they are. Thank you for your very kind words about my GTS and characters..that means a lot! My goodness, referencing Enid Blyton's work is just really so awesome..I thank you!! I will definitely keep in touch my friend! Hugs to you!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-70167243522017414232014-09-22T20:18:53.906-07:002014-09-22T20:18:53.906-07:00Wow! Julie, that is amazing re: your badminton pla...Wow! Julie, that is amazing re: your badminton playing..I am sure you a fierce competitor. Awesome! I thank you for being a comrade and sharing your thoughts here..it means a great deal. It IS strange how the sharing of soo much good news could cause an adverse affect. I think pulling back and gaining some perspective has definitely helped me feel better for sure. Thank you - I agree..it's been delightful getting to know you better this year. Thanks for your support!!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-15241237570008929732014-09-22T20:18:49.498-07:002014-09-22T20:18:49.498-07:00This is a lovely post Shirley; so open and honest ...This is a lovely post Shirley; so open and honest and vulnerable! It really resonated with my own journey right now. I agree - exercise (even just a brief walk outside) is MANDATORY. The work will always be there but your health won't. Exercise also helps with stress and I like to believe it opens up divine communication. the more you breathe and the more oxygen enters your body the more apt you are to hearing the 'voices' of your personal guardian angels whispering their guidance. I have received some amazing insight and inspiration during long walks or other forms of exercise. Meditation is also important for the creative spirit. The more you quiet your mind the clearer your thoughts are. Thank you for sharing. I love your work so much. Don't focus on the doors that close as missed opportunities but see them as experience and much needed challenges to get you where you are SUPPOSED to be. There is only ONE of you. much love. xoxoAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01356555022654912904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-14058564632144192332014-09-22T12:39:03.970-07:002014-09-22T12:39:03.970-07:00Awww, look at all these great responses. Well you ...Awww, look at all these great responses. Well you know I love you and your work. I have doubts all the time, even as I am working. I think it's just part of being artistic. I'm sure even the greatest artists have had doubts at least once and probably dozens of times. <br /><br />As for the GTS, I entered too and the first thing my family said about the top 50 was that they were all the same style with the exception of one piece and that style wasn't mine. LOL <br />But I had fun making the piece and I love yours. <br />k.h.whitakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04987337506335691981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-38500872755476929172014-09-22T11:32:05.022-07:002014-09-22T11:32:05.022-07:00Welcome back! I read that you have questioned whet...Welcome back! I read that you have questioned whether your work is "worthy"..........Shirley, every time I see one of your sweet characters, I get a soft, warm & fuzzy feeling. There is just something about their inherent personalities that resonates with me, as I'm sure it resonates with others. I "get" being your own worst critic, and a perfectionist. I am both, myself. And art is probably the MOST subjective thing of all, so I guess it makes sense that being an artist (especially an illustrator, who caters to clients and is often not creating art for the sake of creating art) is somewhat of a roller coaster ride, with big highs, and bigger disappointments, since we're often relying on someone else's opinion to validate us. But let me tell you, my friend. YOUR work is worthy. Without a doubt. <br /><br />Oh. And regarding your comments about exercise? Getting out of bed is NOT easy for me in the morning....and I am JUST as enthusiastic about exercising! ;)Creations By Mithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553912158930813310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-25802141378055899522014-09-22T10:02:28.846-07:002014-09-22T10:02:28.846-07:00Shirley, you have been missed at the usual places,...Shirley, you have been missed at the usual places, but I think everybody can understand the need to take a break from all the hype that bombards us from all angles on the Internet (to do, join, make!) and elsewhere. You are so right to recognize that about the time it all gets to be a bit too much and out of whack, is exactly the time to take a step back and examine things from a different perspective. That toolbox sure comes in handy, and it's always within reach! I hope it's helpful to know that there are so many other artists who are currently navigating similar paths. We all find our various successes when it's our turn. Nobody else can really determine that for us, as it all comes from within. And don't forget, (and I am speaking from personal experience, I've hit some "low points" myself, recently...Maybe I was using the wrong tools!) "What doesn't kill us..." etc., right? ;o)<br />P.S. I do LOVE your ocean themed wall art!michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14354005893364951302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-58964158803770337262014-09-22T08:02:51.474-07:002014-09-22T08:02:51.474-07:00Shirley I guess many of us had the same issue with...Shirley I guess many of us had the same issue with exercising...I really got quickly back in the game after giving birth to Lora and then just like you, I took so much on me and had my vision tunneled towards developing further my art career that I've fell off the vagon :( and just like you there was anger and not spending enough time with my family, not good at all :( and 2m ago I threw in the towel and said what's enough is enough and got on my exercising routine again...I'm a sporty person, always been , but on some days when I'm tired from kids, and cleaning and working on a piece, all I wanna do is fall onto my bed and sleep but I force myself to exercise and it's been good! I've changed my diet completely as well, after 2 yrs of feeling bloated and not knowing why, I finally realised, by pure randomness that I'm lactose intolerant :) go figure :) haha Bit going back to your question, my 1st and foremost 'tool' in my toolbox is my relationship with God, He truly is my strenght in every possible situation! Then my kids and my family, good friends, I live a very active life as far as exercising, I love power walking with my Mom and my Bodyrock routine. I love spending quality time with my close friends and I love having movie date nights with my hubby :) And this yr has been a fenomenal one with getting to know some of the artists better and being able to rely on them, you know you're one of them! :) As far as your GTS piece-I already told you I adore it, esp. the little hanginh guy-too sweet! and I love the feel it gives, it actually reminded me of Enid Blyton's kid's novels...dunno why :) Thank you for sharing all this Shirley and pls you know you can email me whenever you want if you need encouragement in any part you need it...even exercising! :) xoxoxox my friend!Antoanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02212429861852969501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-1252390957483359032014-09-22T06:06:34.790-07:002014-09-22T06:06:34.790-07:00So glad you wrote this post. It's an odd thing...So glad you wrote this post. It's an odd thing that we don't share our lows as readily as our highs, and that the constant sharing of great news is so often more depressing because we tend to compare (thank you, broken school system!). And yet when we do get the courage to share woes, friends come out to wrap their arms around us and more often than not reveal their truths too, relieved to find solidarity. So count me in as a commrade! I use badminton, not the garden variety, to balance my physical health, which is more than meditation for me - I get so focused on the next second that I often forget the score! And as for all you have accomplished this year for your illustration and personal inspiration, wow! I mean WOW! I am so glad you've shared your dailies - it's been great getting to know a part of you bit by bit! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-21002763950255020552014-09-21T21:31:08.019-07:002014-09-21T21:31:08.019-07:00Elise, you are such a generous soul..and so very t...Elise, you are such a generous soul..and so very talented and kind. I am grateful for your generous words. It's fabulous to have the strength of your family, and your faith! I am wishing you strength and clarity as that toolbox is sorted, and as you embark on YOUR path! I will be cheering you on and will continue to enjoy your wonderful art and posts.Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-52464080688937475072014-09-21T21:27:57.068-07:002014-09-21T21:27:57.068-07:00Jill, my dear buddy, you are so generous and this ...Jill, my dear buddy, you are so generous and this means a lot to me. I am grateful for your positive presence along with Lynn's during class and beyond. The level of professionalism and talent you embody is something very inspirational for me, and it keeps me striving. I tell you, you never cease to amaze me with your fabulous work. <br /><br />I hear you..my dog is definitely happier now that I've committed to my walking routine! I am wishing you all the best as you map out your strategy in that realm..I'm still a work-in-progress, especially as the cold weather will come in..so wish me luck! :) Hugs!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-22337438993675733682014-09-21T21:23:19.116-07:002014-09-21T21:23:19.116-07:00Thank you SO much for writing. OH gosh, shingles, ...Thank you SO much for writing. OH gosh, shingles, lymph nodes, colds?!! Being so many roles all at once, I can relate! It's great to read of your toolbox. I tell you, to step back and define what you need and then commit to doing that for you, and most importantly for your health and sanity, is a GIANT step and I know that the positives from this will continue to multiply. Good for you and thank you - I wish you all the best too!!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-78968717192213692462014-09-21T21:12:41.606-07:002014-09-21T21:12:41.606-07:00I should say it shines JUST AS brightly as your sp...I should say it shines JUST AS brightly as your spirit. :)Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-50739779699291764092014-09-21T21:12:08.986-07:002014-09-21T21:12:08.986-07:00Hi Lynn!! Right back atcha re: me being a fan of y...Hi Lynn!! Right back atcha re: me being a fan of yours, always. Thank you for being such a positive and generous presence during MATS and GTS. Your beautiful work shines almost as brightly as your beautiful spirit. I am grateful we've continued our friendship beyond AG..it is fabulous, my friend! xoShirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-315981497316572082014-09-21T21:10:09.915-07:002014-09-21T21:10:09.915-07:00Deb! I'm so grateful that you wrote..wow, 2 ye...Deb! I'm so grateful that you wrote..wow, 2 years, without weekends off or a vacation is just toooo long..I'm SO glad that you are on your new routine and that you, your Dr., and your doggie are happier. I've noticed that my dog is looking a little more fit, so I translate that to hoping that I'm looking a little more fit too (I hope!) :) Anyway, you are so sweet to write and take note of my MATS work - and your words make SO much sense re: the courses. I love what you wrote about Lilla's classes..the cerebral side of me agrees with, and is what I ultimately feel is what I gained from the classes, but the competitive side of me took some dings in the process..and that has been enlightening! I have definitely added new tools from her courses and that is a giant plus! I need to check in and see what you've been up to..I've been tardy at blog visiting, but I'm gonna try to be better. I am cheering you on as you make your 10,000 steps each day..you are an inspiration! Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-37317026257749401322014-09-21T20:43:25.664-07:002014-09-21T20:43:25.664-07:00Thank you, wonderful Shirley! I am finding myself ...Thank you, wonderful Shirley! I am finding myself at a crossroad, and stopping to look around, I'm amazed at where I am, without really noticing how I got here. My children are nearly grown and independent of me, and for the first time I'm able to think of what the future may hold for just me. I've so many dreams yet unfulfilled, I do hope I can realize some of them. As for my toolbox, it needs a bit of sorting. The love of family and friends has always been my greatest tool, and my faith in a loving Heavenly Father. It's time I put my fears and self-doubts aside. Thanks for inspiring me. I do so admire you and wish you well on your journey.Elise N Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14755624506908572317noreply@blogger.com