Sunday Sketches & Courage

Everyone has a story.  I'm a firm believer in that.  Each day we walk a path, leave a trail behind us and build on our story every step we make.  Please take the time to read what I've written below.  It's important to me and I've finally found the courage to share these words with you today.

With that said, for those of you who only know me as "Sophia" here in cyber world, let me tell you this...my real name is Alexandra. (tears here)

You see, I came from a tragic life of child abuse and domestic violence but I AM the IMPOSSIBLE.  I'm an OVERCOMER.

For I chose to overcome my past not through drugs, alcohol or any crazy addiction (unlike most who unfortunately find themselves in such a situation do), but I did it through extensive domestic violence counseling, my faith and sharing my story with thousands of people across the world.  Speaking out brought great healing to a broken heart/life.

I won't go into any further detail on this post but if you would like to know more and how/where I got involved, you can visit www.hopetodream.net. You can find the about me here.  It's a place of courage, healing and hope for anyone who is or has gone through abuse.  It will change your life.

Summary
For obvious reasons above, I protected my identity for several years.  It was important for me to feel comfortable and safe.  I've come a long way over the past 4 years, and I've never been happier.  I'm doing what I love - art and finishing my undergrad studies so I can begin Law School.  In the end, I WILL be a lawyer, changing the lives/community around me.

Thank you, everyone, for your amazing support, love and encouragement these past several years. I hope that you will continue to walk with me as I persevere on to bigger and better things.

Much love to you all! xo

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Cake, cake and MORE cake!

I don't know about you but I LOVE cake!  Uh huh.  Let's see, there's chocolate cake, white cake, red velvet cake...oh, and let's not forget all the fun ways one can decorate them as well.  Oh dear me!

Above are two doodles I put to paper yesterday morning for potential birthday cards.  I'm still going back and forth but feel I'm pretty close to finalizing the designs.  Quite exciting!  :)

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This is my contribution for PPF.  For more wonderful art/illustrations, please visit here.  

WOYWW - Art & Scholarships

I don't know about you but it's been a hectic week already.  Between registering for undergrad classes, finalizing things for my art display, commission orders - I've been on the go non-stop.  No complaints here, though. I'm enjoying my own schedule and doing what I love...being creative.

Which reminds me - I was awarded a scholarship yesterday!  :)

Above are a few things I've been focused on as of late for local events and my online shop.  I've been tailoring bookmarks (which recently arrived from the printer), making large and small watercolor cards, bookplates, stickers and other fun surprises yet to be revealed.

My favorite thing so far this week?  Purchasing a single peach pearl necklace to celebrate all the good things going on.  Uh huh.

What's been your favorite thing(s) this week so far?

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Sunday Sketches

Hello and let me welcome you to another week of Sunday Sketches.  I hope everyone had a wonderful week, filled with blessings and surprises.  :)

My little doodle above is another idea for my new character, Joey.  Not sure how I'll be incorporating he and his little gal Zoe into things but it's fun exploring the possibilities right now.

Here's to a lovely day to all my peeps!  I'm off to visit everyone now.

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WOYWW - New characters

Above are misc projects that have been on my desk all week, including little Ciara who can be found resting here.

I'm loving how steady my work has been these past few weeks and hope it continues to grow and blossom over the next few months.

Last week I was able to knock off 2 of the 6 tasks on my white board.  Uh huh.  Feels good!  :)

How about you?  What's your average task(s) for one week?

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Get Well Bunny

I'm trying to get into the mindset of creating specialized cards, such as birthday, anniversary, etc.  Above is my first attempt at creating a get well card and I think she turned out absolutely adorable.  I plan to create one very similar to this one, but as a boy.  What do you think?  :)

Oh and her name?  Ciara.  Goes well with her daddy's name, Cooper and mama's name, Clara.  Hee

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!!

Sunday Sketches

Hello and WELCOME to Sunday Sketches!  It's another fun round of doodles and I'm so glad you could join us this week.  :)

I'm working on various illustrations as of late, along with painting some new bunny greeting cards to have available for customers.  This is one of them and  as well as a baby bunny girl get well card on the WIP table.  So, keep an eye out for her.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.  I'm off to visit everyone.  Hugs!

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Spring Blossoms

The flowering trees are looking quite stunning around here as of late.  Spring is definitely popping it's head up around every corner I take, whether walking the pups or going on a leisurely bike ride. 

Above is a painting of mine inspired by some photos I snapped over the weekend.  I'm very pleased at how it turned out and am delighted to share it with you.

It's been quite a busy week here, between continual preparations for my upcoming art show and completing a 14-card custom order (each one hand painted).  I was up until after midnight last night but happy to say it's packaged up and ready to be shipped out today. Yeah!

So, how is Spring making it's appearance in your cozy, little town? :)

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I'm submitting this for PPF this week.  For more wonderful art and fun, make sure to visit here.

Sunday Sketches

Hello and WELCOME to another week of sketches, doodles and whatnots!  I'm posting early this week as I'm sure many of us have holiday plans, and wanted everyone to feel like they could link in and return later.  Mr. Linky is available and will remain open later than usual so everyone has a chance to participate this Easter weekend.

Above are two of the four in my Tree series that will be on display at my upcoming art show.  I'm currently in the process of trimming, matting, framing, etc.  Quite time consuming but am enjoying the process of watching my artwork come to life.

So, can you find the "signature/sign" in each painting above?  This is something I plan to place within my completed paintings from now on. :)

Happy SS and wishing each of you a wonderful Easter season.

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Chaos means you're creating! - WOYWW

If you've not yet heard, Morris the Mouse was recently completed and delivered to the coffee shop owner two days ago.  It was such a thrill and blessing.  Make sure to check out the finalized painting - you'll be delightfully surprised! 

The studio is now filled with frames, mats, originals and prints for my upcoming art show, along with other misc projects that are needing attention as well.  Between the preparation for the show, a couple of 8x10 paintings, 14 watercolor cards, a 5x7 painting - I'll be busy for the next few weeks, that's for certain!  Oh, and let's not forget about my college classes starting next month.  Phew! :)

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Morris' new home

Above is the finalized painting of Morris and a fun pic of the process.  It's been quite the journey over the last two weeks, creating, tweaking and bringing him to life.  To be honest, I thought twice about delivering him to his new home earlier today. uh huh. So true. I fell in love with a new chubby lil' character of mine.

I feel so blessed not just to have had the opportunity, but to put to canvas an idea that is already touching the hearts of people in the local community, including the coffee shop owner.  But it makes my own heart smile knowing he has a wonderful new home where many will be touched every single day, young and old.  That in itself is priceless.  :)

Sunday Sketches

Good morning!  Yes, I'm alive and finally here!  Please do excuse my massive delay in getting Sunday Sketches up and about this morning.  Something unexpected happen this morning, which shifted my schedule today.

On another note, Morris is coming along and should be completed some time today.  I'll make sure to post the finished canvas painting once he's delivered.  :)

Above is the last of the Princess Bears that I've been working on.  She's coming along well, and I'm totally loving her thus far.  I'm not rushing this piece for many reasons, and am looking forward to presenting to a special little girl out there!

OK.  Off to visit everyone else.  Happy SS!

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This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.