The Future's So Right

She Might Be Free
Acrylics, Oil Sticks and Stuff on Canvas
10 x 14 inch

I had to set my alarm very early on Monday morning to fly to Sydney for work. The iPhone let's you save a range of different alarms with names for each one. With tongue firmly planted in cheek I saved the new early morning alarm as "The Future's So Bright".

When the alarm pulled me from a too short and restless night I reached to turn if off, and I could have sworn the label read "The Future's So Right".*

At first I laughed at my slip, but then I knew it had to be a message from the universe. Trust. Don't Worry. The Future's So Right.

I've mentioned a couple of times recently that I've been waiting on an important decision, and my uncertainty about what outcome I really want. I knew that the trip to Sydney would bring resolution and that I'd be informed as to whether I have a job beyond the end of April. It's been a really tough couple of weeks waiting to hear, trying to listen to my own inner voice (thanks to everyone who has been a part of that process), working out what's best for my soul, my family, and the bank balance.

So it was a gift to head towards my future with those words in my ear. The Future's So Right. I felt like the universe was saying to me "I've got this one, you don't need to worry about it". "Whatever happens is what is meant to be".

As it turns out I won't have a job beyond April. I was pipped at the post on this occasion. I'm in the process of letting it sink in and working through the reality of that outcome, but part of me is buzzing with new possibilities, ideas about how different work might look for me moving into the future, ways in which I might combine my creative pursuits and working life. I'm excited as well as apprehensive, anxious and hopeful.

The Future's So Right.

*It turns out that I actually didn't make a mistake. I did label the alarm "The Future's So Bright". I just read it wrong through blurred sleepy vision.

Jack Cabbit

Jack Cabbit
Acrylics and Oil Sticks on Canvas
8x8 inch

This guy showed up at my place today.
Told me his name is Jack.
We've had a lovely time chatting over some cheese and crackers, and a glass of milk.

He tells me he's a cabbit, a cross between a curious cat and a speedy rabbit.
I wouldn't trust that innocent looking grin through,
I think he's trouble!

Can't Get Enough

I've got a tonne of things on the go in the studio at the moment but I'm excited to share these two finished pieces. They will be going off to my nieces to surprise them very shortly.

The Things She Could Do
Collage, Acrylics,Oil Sticks and Stuff on Canvas

I can't get enough of working with the Shiva Paintstiks at the moment. They are so much fun. They're messy and tactile, and smelly, and they just seem like the kinds of supplies that serious grown up artists use.

I am so grateful to Kelly Rae for sharing her techniques and secrets at An Artful Journey. She didn't hold anything back, and I think it's an amazing act of generosity for an artist to share so openly. There's a lot at stake for people like Kelly Rae, or anyone who teaches people their style. You can read what Kelly Rae has to say about it here. Well worth the read.

Bingo Was Her Name
Collage, Acrylics,Oil Sticks and Stuff on Canvas

I am also ever grateful to the fabulous Kootoyoo, the home of My Creative Space, for all the great things she brings to the blogging community.

How About You?

Street art, Portland, Oregon, USA*

Are you like me? Are you waiting?

to be thinner or more confident
for an idea to take hold
to see what everyone else is doing
to see what everyone else is not doing
to be discovered
for someone to tell you that you're enough
to know that you're enough
to be just that little bit more
to feel sure

I am inching towards the idea of not waiting anymore

How about you?

*Don't forget to join my new flickr group {messages from the universe} and share your finds

{messages from the universe}

Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia

I've become completely captivated by finding words in public places. In the streets or on toilet walls, hidden down laneways or right out in the open. Spray painted or chalked, stenciled or carved.

I like to think of these things as 'messages from the universe'. A prompt to make me think, something to soothe me, give an unexpected giggle, or sometimes even a mirror that reflects my thoughts or feelings.

I know there's plenty of others out there who like them to. So I've started a Flickr group called {messages from the universe}.

This is a place to share images of words found scribbled on toilet walls, spray painted in the streets, stenciled on footpaths and sidewalks, or anything along those lines. It's all about words, and the words that we find written out there in the world, in all sort of manner and places. Words that make you laugh, or sigh, or ponder.

I'd love you to join the group and upload your {messages from the universe}.

A Memento From North Fitzroy

Dear Cathy,
Saw this during a walk 'round the 'hood this arvo. Made me think of you.
Hope you're having a lovely weekend.
Kat x

I am so thankful for all the good peeps in my life.

How To Feel Really Truly Alive

Put on your dancing shoes, go see your favourite band and dance your fucking heart out.

Just Like Mum Used To Take

I dig Hipstamatic, and Kootoyoo for the introduction.

I dig weekends, catching up with Mum, being in the studio, and shaking off the heaviness that's been hanging around me these past two weeks.

And you? May I ask what you're diggin' this weekend?

On Clarity, And Unraveling

Back cover of my Artful Journey Funky Chunky Coffee Table Book
It reads 'in her heart there was hope'

I told the universe I needed a sign and I was given these:

This post by my friend Lorrie about listening to your instincts. A life changing post. Go and have a read.

This post over at Make and Meaning about the costs of a corporate life. This post is a talisman for me.

A heartfelt reaching out from Chrissy asking if I was OK, which gave me the opportunity to clarify what was going on in my head.

My heart and soul are nested here

The thing about unraveling, as painful and confusing as it is, it that once it's complete you often find yourself staring at a simple, beautiful truth.

The truth that is calling to me is that I want to live a simpler life. I want to wear jeans and converse to work, not dress pants and shirts. I want art and writing to be at the core of my everyday life, not meetings and strategic planning. I want my actions and choices to reflect my commitment to living a creative life. I want to be more proactive in taking steps towards that life.

I'm not sure what happens next, but I'm ready to find out.

I See Red

Getting back to some routines is just fine by me. I've been looking forward to joining in with My Creative Space again.

I've been painting non-stop pretty much since I got back from the trip.

Painting makes me happy.

More creative spaces at Kootoyoo.

About That Waiting

I thought I was cruising along. I thought I was happily waiting, and then someone shifted the goal posts, and it all unraveled. I was not prepared for that.

With the unraveling has come the realisation that the last couple of weeks have been really difficult. My reentry to reality after 3 weeks of freedom, adventure, creativity and amazing connections has been exhausting. I have been trying to pretend that I'm not exhausted, and full of questions and uncertainty about where I'm going.

The funny thing is that now that I've had the opportunity to really think about it I've realised I actually don't want the thing I'm waiting for. I don't want it at all. I just thought that I was supposed to want it. I thought I was trusting the universe and listening to its messages but I wasn't listening properly, and I certainly wasn't listening to myself as well.

This is why I always say I'm 'practicing' this art of trusting the universe. It's full of twists and turns, subtle intricacies, challenges, opportunities and learning.

So now it's time to start moving again. To stretch my legs and set off. I'm not quite sure where those legs are supposed to take me but I'm sure I'll find my way.


It's also time to announce the winner of the giveaway. Yesterday when I thought about drawing the giveaway the number 17 came to me. Just like that. When I realised earlier that it was the 17th today I decided to go with it. So the 17th commenter is One Little Acorn. Get in touch with details so I can post a package of loveliness to you.

I wish I had a copy of MixTape to give everyone but you can purchase your own copy right over here.

The Waiting Game

Affirmation cards from The Creative Beast and vintage Tupperware

I want to be a person who lives their life firmly in the present. Not waiting for the future to arrive, not lamenting the past. It is a constant process of practicing.

Sometimes though, there is no denying it. Sometimes I am simply waiting. For an opportunity, for a decision, for destiny to cast it's hand.

I am continuing to dig deep and trust. Spare a thought and cross a finger for me would you, even though I can't tell you what I'm waiting for?

Oh, and sign up for the giveaway if you haven't already.

Giving In

One of my favourite treasures from the trip*

Sometimes you've just got to give in to the exhaustion and the coming back down to earth, and let yourself be. That's the essence of my weekend. So it goes.

I'm leaving the giveaway open for a couple of more days. If you haven't thrown your hat in the ring go on and do it.

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*This gorgeous touchstone only measures about an inch square. How fabulous is Chrissy's writing. How I miss this gorgeous woman, her brightness and warmth. One of the great bonuses of my trip, and one that I hadn't thought about prior, was the friendships and connections to other creative women. Amazing stuff.

Ignore this code palaver - trying to sort out some techy stuff. CH4NCPK9QGBF

It's Friday, And You Know What That Means

Card Generator

In celebration of the weekend, which I am very much looking forward to after a big week getting back to work routine and life in general, I thought I'd have a giveaway.

Would you like to win a copy of the most fabulous MixTape Zine. I happen to have a spare copy to share. It's full of crafty goodness, including an article by yours truly. I also thought I'd make a Mix CD to go with it, and maybe throw in a surprise or two.

To enter leave a comment on this post telling me what you're up to on the weekend. I'll draw a winner... well you know me... when it happens, it happens... some time after the weekend. Happy to send internationally or locally.

Happy weekend peeps.

There's No Escaping It

My heart is wide open, messy and true. I often wear it on my sleeve or in my throat.

It's big, full of compassion for others, and I'm proud to be the owner of it.

I am growing into this being of mine, more and more each day.

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So happy to be back at the Northern Craft Bonanza tonight and hanging out with crafty peeps. The joy of the company of women. Made me miss my Artful Journey girls though.

Dig Deep And Trust

A very special note from Andrea Scher*

This morning I woke filled with doubt and questions, fighting reality. The tension had started building on the weekend. Today was my first day at work in over 3 weeks.

Why, I asked? Why do I have to go to work? Why am I not meant to be staying at home in my studio painting or writing? Why am I not making a full time living from my creativity? When will it happen? Will it ever happen for me? I felt the angst that I carried in the late part of last year pulling at me again.

And then I remembered! To trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be just now, doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. To surrender to the fact that whilst I might not understand the bigger picture, the universe has a plan for me. To embrace the magic of letting go.

So I put a smile on face and set about my day, and my life, just as it is.

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*When I was at the art retreat I happened to visit a hardware store. After telling classmates about my addiction to paint chips, my tendency to take four of every colour, and my fear of being tapped on the shoulder and told to put them all back, I decided to pick up a couple in case I wanted to use them in my book. I took only 3 and then on Sunday when Andrea Scher came to visit and I looked at her, Kelly Rae and Mati Rose sitting together up the front I knew exactly what to use them for. I felt like a bit of a dork asking them to each write a special message for me on one of the paint chips, but I knew if I didn't I'd a) regret it and b) possibly never have the opportunity again. So I did. And now I have a message from each of those three amazing and inspirational women tucked away in a pocket of my Funky Chunky Coffee Table Book, and I'm so glad I do.

Home Sweet Home

Indigenous Art Installation - Sydney International Transit Lounge

Spending the weekend hanging out with Ms L, unpacking, cuddling fur children and catching up with CurlyPops over dinner. Also, fighting mild jet lag. Blurgh to jet lag.

Fly Little Tinniegirl

Quickly! Fly! Home!

And So Begins The Journey Home

See you soon Australia. See you soon Ms L. See you soon peeps.

And to you, USA, thank you, thank you, thank you!

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By the way, did you see that the Northern Craft Bonanza made the paper this week.
Check it out.

Once Upon A Time...

...Tinniegirl traveled a long way to Portland, Oregon to visit a very special Little Lady. Tinniegirl and the Little Lady's Daddy had been friends for a long, long time.

The Little Lady lived in a beautiful house

and had a lovely bedroom painted all pink and green.

The Little Lady wasn't like all the other little girls that Tinniegirl knew. This Little Lady had something called Cystic Fibrosis, which made her life pretty different to other normal little girls. The Little Lady had to take lots of pills and do lots of treatments every single day to keep fighting her battle against Cystic Fibrosis. The Little Lady was so strong and wise and full of spirit.

The Little Lady invited Tinniegirl to visit her school

and made beautiful, colourful paintings for her.

They even had a birthday party for the Little Lady's Daddy while Tinniegirl was visiting.

One of the best things the Little Lady and Tinniegirl did together was making a painting.

Full of gorgeous colour and embellishments, Tinniegirl could tell the Little Lady was a very good artist.

Before long it was time for Tinniegirl to make the long trip back to Australia. Tinniegirl had a wonderful visit with her dear friends, and especially loved getting to meet the Little Lady for the first time.

The End

I Dig Portland

It kinda reminds me a little of ole' Melbourne Town

Excellent shopping

Cool cafes

Great coffee

Quirky food joints

Interesting street art

and something to make you stop and wonder.

Everything I need in a city.

2 sleeps till I start the big journey home. 2 sleeps peeps!

Forgot To Tell You

You'll find a little something I penned in Issue 12, out now.

A Fine Seattle Day

I was very lucky to have a day out in Seattle. My buddy Jon drove us all the way from Portland (about a six hour round trip) so that I could check out Seattle while I am 'in the hood'.

We had a fabulous day checking out Pike Place Market

eating fish and chips

Taking a ride to the top of the Space Needle

Check out those snow covered mountains behind me.
It gave me such delight to see them in all their majestic glory.

My buddy Jon.
We haven't seen each other for over 6 years but it's as if no time has passed at all.
Don't you love those kind of friendships?

Found this little gem. You know how I love to find a little 'Message from the Universe'. I particularly like the way I accidentally captured the words 'any time' as well.

So, that's Seattle.

Tomorrow I'm going to check out downtown Portland and see what I find. Stay tuned for that, and for a post about the gorgeous little lady of the house here in Portland.

Today, I'm having a pajama day. Catching up with myself and with you. Only 3 sleeps till I head home now. I can't believe it.