Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Power Wish & Polar Plunge Kick-off the New Year!

Thanks to my car breaking down, I had the unexpected privilege of celebrating the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 at the beach (my favorite place to be)!  We were visiting family for the holidays and my car broke down the day before we were supposed to head home.  Unfortunately (or fortunately--depending on how you look at it) this meant spending two extra days at the beach while they ordered parts and fixed my car (thanks Charlie!)  Being an optimist and a beach lover, I took full advantage of these two extra days!


I toasted 2013 and all the wonderful, artful "firsts" it brought to my life (first time being published in a magazine-Cloth, Paper, Scissors; first time curating an art show--co-curating with my hubby made it extra special (thank you Del Ray Artisans); first time teaching my own monthly art workshops; first time teaching at a retreat; first time doing a live art demonstration at Art on the Avenue; first time having my art sold at two local shops--Boutique Bakeshop & Artful Gift Shop!

At work, I even moved from kindergarten to FIRST grade--another first AND moved from full-time to half-time so I could focus more on my art and have better work-life balance.  It must have worked, I created over 50 new works of art in 2013!  


On New Year's Day, I spent some quiet time by myself on the beach reflecting, giving thanks, and Power Wishing--setting my intentions for the new year!  I couldn't have asked for a better place for this sacred moment.  

Afterwards, my family and I took a nice, long walk on the beach.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day with temperatures in the 50s.  While the kids stopped to play by the dunes, I walked ahead and made the spontaneous decision to strip off my clothes and plunge into the cold ocean with just my bra and underwear!  You should have seen the look on my husband's face!  First it was a look of shock and disbelief, "has my wife gone crazy?" and then, "Wow--bring it on!"  I swam and danced in the icy waters--feeling happy, alive, free, bold, and exhilarated--definitely an adrenaline rush!  Lucky for me, I had a towel!  What a refreshing way to start the New Year!  


I am not sure what 2014 has in store for me--hopefully more of the same--ART and ADVENTURE!
I plan to continue what I started in 2013 and add more workshops, retreats, prints & products, and create a website in 2014.   I plan to "Live Colorfully (Artfully) Ever After!"  It's with this attitude of "now or never" and "taking the plunge"  that I start the New Year--ready or not, here I come!

Thank you to all who support me on my creative journey!  Wishing you a healthy, happy, artful New Year!  Go ahead--take the plunge!

4 comments:

  1. Love this Jackie.. You sound and look ( :-) like you feel so ALIVE and connected to your YOU.. All the best for the upcoming year. Inspirational post from someone who is taking on the Now or Never philosophy. XX

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  2. what a wonderful day for a wonderful woman! I wish you an amazing year full of joyful energy and good luck with your website!! xoxo Laly

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