Seeing myself through others eyes. Grateful.

me 2017

I have been working on some really big projects that will put me out into this big world. I am creating like crazy. I am doing it! I am going for it! I am not listening to any internal voices that shine doubt on me or my art! NOPE! Done with that crap! I am pushing through any self doubt or fears. This is my year to SHINE like I know that I was meant to.

I know that I have needed to ask a few friends, clients, people I admire so very much for testimonials on ME. What a hard thing for me to do ~ ask for help. I am great at helping but, asking wow there was a great deal of fear around this for me. I did it anyway. I asked.

This is one of the testimonials I received. I was so set back by his words, I read and read again. Then I looked in the mirror and thought - wow am I blessed. Crazy blessed to be this beloved.

Reading this still chokes me up. I am grateful to see myself through a few others eyes.

Testimonial by Jeff Arundel.

"I first met Kelli when a group gathered to help a friend of ours who had cancer - we were putting
on a fund-raiser, and various things were needed, including invitations and other design stuff.
Kelli (who was helping even though she didn’t even really know the person) passed out some
mock-ups. Being kind-of snobby when it comes to design, I was prepared to see some typical work
that had been pasted together, but when the designs made their way around the table to me, I saw
some of the most breath-taking, detailed, handcrafted work I had ever come across! My head
snapped up and I peered down the table, wondering ”who is this Kelli May”? At the other end sat
a tiny blonde, shyly offering her lovely work to the room (and helping a person she didn’t really know).

Once you get to know Kelli, the breadth of her talent can dumbfound you. With me, she has designed
a comprehensive line of kids clothing, hand-drawn various record jackets, painted, toted our her
sewing machine and sewn draperies and cushions, and in general brought the world-class twinkle of
natural greatness to everything she has worked on. And besides that, she paints in a signature style,
and writes, and dresses using vintage stuff. I know, it sounds like I’m making it up, but I’m not.
Kelli is a tiny Whirling Dervish of creativity, and she is gathering momentum as she careens forward
into new creations. How could one little person be so good at so much?”
~ Jeff Arundel    jeffarundel.com

Seriously, how lucky am I. The path to believing in yourself is out there. Seek it! Follow it and never ever give up!!!

www.kellimaykrenz.com
www.jeffarundel.com

oh my am i a very lucky girl. friends who shine on me. wow.

each tiny detail was lovingly thoughtful and precious.

seriously cool artwork by Diana D. Darden. FOR ME.

some of my most favorite things EVER tiny pieces of bits.  FOR ME.

the notes, ribbons, treats both tiny and big. FOR ME.

insanely gorgeous artwork by Diana D. Darden. FOR ME.

Today was one of those days when the knock on the door holds extra blessings. Yes, this truly carefully artfully created box of all handmade treats came from me from my artist friend Diana D. Darden.

Quick story of our friendship. I have long admired Diana's artwork. I had seen it in galleries and online and always was blown away with her attention to details and thoughtful art. I never really researched where she lived or anything = I just loved her art. So fast forward to me moving from Minneapolis to Sarasota. I find Diana on facebook = again I am blown away by her talents and joy she adds to all of her artwork. Lucky me we become friends. We have a great connection for loving tiny details, trims, ribbons, images etc. We started by trading bits from our studios with each other.
I find out that all along she was living in Minneapolis the entire time I lived there. WHAT!
Lesson learned for me to seek like souls right when i see them in my world.

I am also very happy to say that I love designing her business cards and marketing materials.
What joy to design for a talented friend. Another blessing.

So with a gracious gushing heart I post these photos and write about the gift of precious artists in my life who are also beautiful friends.

Thank you Diana. I am humbled by your generous spirit and crazy sweet happy gifts. These are the very best of times. I am lucky to know you and be your friend. I am sending universal love and goodness to you today, this moment and always.

Please check out her precious artwork below are a few links.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-D-Darden-ArtistDesigner/152672571493366

http://www.dianaddarden.com/

gratefully giving. take time to notice the gift of friendship.

created the box with layers of papers then painting and more layers.

oh the love of details 

she loved beauty = i do i do

grateful for kindred spirits

happiness combo platter = 3 gifts ready to mail

Today was a day for packing, thinking, creating and gifting. Oh the joy I feel when I create presents for others. I truly love love love giving. I am not sure what a therapist would say about this passion I have for giving. It comes from a very real pure place in my heart. I never expect anything in return. Okay, I like thank you's. I really just feel better noticing that others need to feel loved and being a tiny light shining = hopefully saying, "hey, i notice and you are beloved."

So I created three fun packages today. I am happy to say in the midst of a very busy studio day and packing. So much of life is often over looked. I love having the ability to take time to be grateful and gush out into the world.

Grab the gifts of friends and like minds. It matters. I have learned this past year about community of like souls. I have been on this beautiful key living, creating and facing every bit of anxiety, fear and doubt. I have been very alone (thank goodness for my hubby and sweet little dog Pearl Button).
Prior to moving across the country I was lucky to have several friends to call and instantly have community. I have had big surprises this past year. I am grateful for the learning however painful the lessons. I am growing stronger, braver and getting my messages into the big world.

I matter. What I create matters. I am good at being me. If a handful of people see me truly get me that is plenty. More then enough. I wake up wanting to gush joy and gratitude for my life, and that is perfectly fine. It's who I am. I am just swell with me.

Happy is the very best path in life. Take it, you can make it thru most days with a dose of happy.
It is in the noticing. Promise.

following my spirit to Esalen = being brave and knowing = grateful

leaving at five in the morning to fly across the country to Big Sur

second flight a little plane to get me to San Jose

embracing color and me

beauty was everywhere

Big Sur Esalen = amazing

sacred spaces speaking to my soul

the ocean and her daily magic

living mindfully with intentions

brave me

sacred sisters = so gratefully blessed 

Knowing and listening to my inner voice meant hopping on a plane and going on a retreat with 14 women i had never met (connections on facebook only) Invited by one amazing artist I admire and who inspires me (and thousands of people) Trusting in the universe of powerful change and going.

One week at Esalen with like souls = artists. Facing silly fears that were very real to me and over coming anxiety. Move across the country after selling my home of 17 years, selling most everything I owned and 2 months later pack up and fly to Big Sur. Yes, these are the times that will teach me who I am at my very core.

I found that I am not alone in my thinking or being in life. I can have very powerful connections and friendships based on common truths with other artists and like souls. I was left knowing that I can move a mountain (again) I can create and help and love love love.

For me this retreat was so inspiring, empowering and life changing. I am gushing with glee for the women who created this and for the women who attended.

I know that as my mind wraps around this sacred time I will have more to share and write. For today I will say this = I am proud of myself and I am loving the journey my life is giving me.