Save the Date--Beach Retreat!

Save the Date!

Spring Beach Retreat!

May 2-4, 2014

Outer Banks, NC

Join Artist, Jackie Tury and Yoga Instructor, Karen Jaynes for a fun filled weekend of creativity as we nurture mind, body and spirit by the sea! 

Details and Registration Information coming soon!

As many of you know, the beach (OBX) is my favorite place to BE!  I am most at home and most myself while by the ocean!  I love the sense of peace, energy, healing and creativity that the ocean brings me and so happy and excited to share it with you this spring!  I hope you will join me for this Artful Ocean Adventure!

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!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Colorful New Year!

"Artful Affirmations" © for the HoliDAZE and the gift of PRESENCE!

The holidays are a busy time of year and we often get so caught up in the flurry of activities that we forget to pause, to breathe, to practice being in the present moment.  This holiday season, I challenge you to give the "gift of presence."  By giving your loved ones, your friends, your family, your neighbor, co-worker, or even a stranger your time and full attention (even just for a moment), you are giving them the "gift of presence."  You are saying to them "you matter," "I am listening," "I understand,"  "I value you."  You are showing them love, compassion, connection, and validation.  What better gift can one receive? 

The "gift of presence" is a gift you can give to yourself as well!  Not only will you feel satisfied, connected, fulfilled when you give this gift to others, but when you give this gift to yourself, you will feel centered, grounded, grateful.  Try to pause for a moment here and there throughout your busy HoliDAZE.  Instead of going full speed ahead, multi-tasking to the max on auto-pilot and wandering around in a daze, slow down and be aware of your surroundings, your feelings, the moment.  Sneak in some quiet time to read or reflect.  Give yourself permission to drop something off your "to do" list.  Unplug from the internet, TV, etc. and reconnect with yourself, your family, your loved ones in person.

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting another monthly art workshop, "Artful Affirmations" © for the HoliDAZE and the gift of PRESENCE!  During this workshop, we focused on the importance of being present in the moment as we created visual reminders of our intentions for the holidays.  It was a fun, festive evening of friendship and creativity.  Thank you to Anne Marie, Jaci, Kathy, Carrie, and Melissa for giving me the gift of your presence and creating such unique and wonderful "Artful Affirmations" ©.

In an effort to follow my own advice, I am going to try and remain off-line as much as possible during the holidays, so I can better focus on the present moment and the miracles that surround me.  Merry Christmas! xxoo  ~jackie

Student artwork by: Carrie, Kathy, Jaci, Anne Marie, and Melissa

Wonderful Weekend Retreat!

I recently returned from my first job as retreat facilitator!  It was a truly amazing experience and another dream come true!  About 7 years ago when I was a counselor running my personal growth group,  "Mother Nurture," friend and yoga instructor Karen Jaynes and I first talked about hosting a retreat where participants could nurture their mind, body, and spirit through yoga, art, meditation, massage, etc.  I am so happy and grateful to Karen for making it happen!

I created and taught the "Artful Affirmations for Living Your Yoga On & Off the Mat" Workshop, specifically designed for the theme of this retreat.  I chose the lotus blossom as a symbol of growth and transformation, providing inspiration for our project.

Ten beautiful souls attended my workshop.  We had a wonderful morning together sharing our journeys, playing with paint & paper, creating and expressing in a meaningful way.  Though everyone  started with a lotus flower,  each piece turned out so unique and each message was powerful and personal to the individual.  It was a truly moving experience!

Not only did I enjoy teaching my first Retreat Workshop, I enjoyed serving others, practicing yoga, going on nature hikes, eating healthful meals, attending holistic workshops, participating in a full moon bonfire ceremony, and most of all--connecting with like minded people both on and off the mat!  The only regret I have is not booking a massage when I had the chance.  Next time, I am definitely working that into my schedule!

I left the retreat feeling exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.  Though the retreat was a lot of work, it was well worth it.  I feel blessed and honored to have spent the weekend in such great company and with people sharing their gifts, their time, and their passion.  I look forward to doing it again in the near future!  We are hoping to host another retreat in Spring 2014 and will keep you posted.  Until we meet again, Namaste!

New Artist at the Artful Gift Shop!

Hi, just wanted to let you know that there is a new artist at the Artful Gift Shop!  I am happy to announce that my meeting yesterday with owner Peggy James went very well and I am now an Artful Gift Shop Artist!  I have several pieces for sale in the shop ranging in size from 4"x4" to
12" x12."  If you are in Vienna, VA please stop by!  The shop is located on Church Street and carries all kinds of unique gifts from local artists--cards, jewelry, soaps, artwork, and more!

The Artful Gift Shop

Wish Granted!

Wish Granted!

This weekend I celebrated my birthday with family.  In addition to being showered with artful gifts:  photo lights, gift cards for art supplies, money for Bloom True art e-course (thank you to my loving & supportive family), something totally unexpected and amazing happened!  My birthday wish came TRUE in under an hour!

I've wished on birthday candles since I was a little girl and some wishes came true, others didn't.  But I have never had a wish been granted so quickly!  When blowing out my candles, I wished that someone would buy the two "artful avenue" paintings I had in the Del-Ray-Geous art show.  I knew the show was closing this weekend and as of Thursday evening, nobody had bought either painting.  

I made my wish around 8:00 p.m. on Friday and around 9:00 p.m.,  I received a congratulatory email from the curators of the show saying that BOTH of my pieces had SOLD!  WOW--those must have been some strong wishes and powerful candles!  To top it off, when we went to the closing reception yesterday, we found out that my daughter Zoe made her first sale!  Congratulations Zoe and thank you Dawn and Maxine!  Hope your wishes come true!  Gotta remember where I bought those candles!