I'm at the Beach!

     I'm at the BEACH!!  So excited!  Just wanted to let you know that there may be a lack of posts over the next couple of days.  So use instagram #freetobemejournal to submit photos, stories, thoughts, decor and DIY!  I can't wait to see your content.  Let's encourage and support one another!

Photography - Heather Glasby

     Photograph by Heather Glasby(@heatherglasby).  Who else would like to take a seat at this gorgeous table?!  Hop on over to her feed! You will be inspired.

DIY - Washi Tape Piano Keys

     Adorable DIY by Katie Schiltz(@ktschiltz).  I'm always inspired by her incredible photos full of home decor and simple ideas for DIY projects.  Her feed is a must!

You Are Good Enough

     I have to be honest... I feel this way a lot!  Sometimes I feel that there is NO way I can do anything because I'm not good enough and that no one will ever care what I do.  Do you ever feel this way?  I am so glad that we serve a Heavenly Father who loves us no matter what our circumstance.  We don't have to worry about dressing the coolest, having perfect hair, or owning the greatest business in the world.  He loves us as we are and cherishes our hearts.  If we can trust Him, we are taken care of and led along the path He created for us filled with amazing adventures along the way.  So friends, if you are struggling today, know that YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!! Please comment below with a story or thought about how you experience the above subject.  Take time to read each other's comments and respond with encouragement.  We can learn so much from one another and need support!  

Beautiful Cake - Priscilla Chang

     Absolutely breathtaking cake by Priscilla Chang!  I'm always in awe of her beautifully decorated cakes that she shares in her feed.  One amazing and super sweet gal! :)

Musician - Amy Nelson

     Love this photo by musician Amy Nelson(@amyflyingakite).  It reminds me of illustrations from a storybook!  

Breakfast - Jannicke Jacobsen

     Yummy breakfast!  Photo by Jannicke Jacobsen(@jannickeeline). She has a beautiful feed full of nature photos. Inspires me to explore!

Today Take the First Step Toward Your Dream!

     Make today the day that you set yourself goals and take that first step toward embarking upon your dream.  Find books that can help you learn and grow in an area of interest, research online, NEVER EVER be afraid to ask questions!  Seek out the advice and wisdom of those you are inspired by!  I believe in you! Always pray!

Photography - Petra Gustafsson

     Gorgeous photos by Petra Gustafsson(@kullanimajorna).  Explore her feed for dreamy photos of flowers and decor.  Her lighting is gorgeous and adds so much character.  So much inspiration! :)  

Interior Design - Selina Lake

     Ok.  I just cannot get enough of Selina Lake's books!  So much inspiration and decor that I could actually do... many times I'll find a promising interior design book only to be let down by the lack of creativity or use of dull photographs - COMPLETELY different than the one on the cover.  Does that ever happen to you?  Well, this was absolutely not the case with Selina's books - she's definitely got it goin on!

Artist - Jodie Bond

     Beautiful photo and decor by artist Jodi Bond.  You must follow this girl's gorgeous feed - so full of beautiful inspiration and amazing jewelry!! Go check out her work! @loudnonsense

Women Entrepreneurs Feature - Melissa Lyons

     Today I am thrilled to share our FIRST EVER interview for the "Women Entrepreneurs" feature that will highlight a different female entrepreneur each week. Get ready to be inspired and gain advice on the process of dreaming to have a small business to actually owning a small business. This week, I am interviewing Melissa Lyons.  Now, if you haven't heard of her (which I'm sure you have, Melissa Lyons is the incredible artist behind the beautiful ocean and sail boat paintings that are being raved about all over instagram! Let's begin!

Me: When did you begin painting?

Melissa: 

When did I begin painting? The short answer is Feb 12,2012. I had no idea what I was doing or why I was doing it, I was just being obedient to God.

http://www.melissalyonsart.com/2012/01/sometimes-plans-change.html here is the blog post about how God spoke to me through the Noahs ark mural.

Originally I felt God telling me to take kids into my home and watch them. And I did that. I created a huge playroom, threw an ad up on sitter city and had some kids here and there. But I started to feel miserable. I hated my life and everyday was leading me down the path to depression. I remember a coworker of my husbands calling me and telling me that she might want to transition into home care instead of daycare. I thought that this was what God wanted me to do so I told my husband I would say yes, very hesitantly . I had no peace about it. My soul was in distress. Its not that I don't like kids, I love them...I am just not a babysitter or teacher. I struggle in that part of my relationship even with my own kids. I am very much a nurturer caretaker type. I love to nurse, give baths, care for them when they are sick or hurt, stay up all night rocking them, pack lunches and spiritually lead...just not abc's and 123's per say. I had started to dabble in painting because that is also what I felt God was asking me to do when I saw the mural. I was loving it so much it was a feeling I had never felt before. I felt alive. When I describe it to people the only way I can put it into words is...my soul was awakened. I wanted to keep doing it so bad but I had no idea how i would make money from it. I had never taken an art class and I never went to college. So I remember one day at church our pastor was talking about taking up our cross and following Jesus. God was speaking to me about following His will and being willing to be obedient in what he was asking. I remember going up to the altar that day and laying it all out. I cried and prayed and told God I was in. Whatever he wanted me to do, I was willing to do it. If he wanted me to lay down the art to watch kids, I would do it. I came to a point where I felt like I would rather be under his care, in his will, than doing something I loved to do without him. I trusted him that if watching kids in my home was what I was supposed to do, I would do it with my whole heart and trust him to change my heart. From that day on, I never ever got another phone call or email to watch a child and I started painting...

Me: Did you always knows you were an artist?  If not, when did you realize it?

Melissa:

I never wanted to be anything when I was a kid. I was always artistic and theatrical, I did dance and musical theatre and choir. But I have a horrible case of panic and stage fright and was always turning down lead roles because I just couldn't face my fears. I remember in 4th grade my art teacher Mrs. Pulsifer had us doing potato stamps. I can to this day remember the long roll of brown paper down the long, cold table where we all sat. We used green paint to stamp Christmas trees. I remember very vividly her walking by and smiling at me....she looked down and said, "your going to be an artist one day."

Me: What is the best part about creating your art?

Melissa:

The very best part of creating art is just that. Creating. I feel like God is the ultimate artist and everything in life is art. His art. So I feel like the dreams and colors and emotions that are all in my heart are from Him and I love seeing it all come to life.

Me: Do you have any advice for others who want to pursue their own art?

Melissa:

START. Just start. I had no idea what I was doing. I did not know what supplies to use or where to get them. I had no idea what to paint. But I trusted God that if he wanted me to do this, in His time, he would reveal it all to me. I went about a few months until I sold anything. And it was a very slow start in my etsy shop as well. I took me months before I sold anything there. And if you look back in my shop you will notice that nothing I painted back then resembles anything I paint now. I did a lot of sports art and kids art. My goal was to just keep painting until I figured out what my niche was. There were some months that I felt very discouraged and my shop almost closed down many nights. But my husband encouraged me to keep going. He is sort of the slow and steady one and I am the panicked emotional one.  The amazing thing still to this day is that I still have pieces of art that make me cringe. I look at it and say oh my gosh nobody is going to buy this EVER. But then it sells. God has used this last 2 years in my journey to teach me that I truly am my own worst enemy. I am so quick to be hard on myself and get discouraged. But everyone must start somewhere. EVERYONE. I am sure writers cringe at some of their first writings, just as I do in my early blog posts. But all of it is part of the journey. If God is leading you to start something and you have no idea how its going to work or what to do, this is a good thing. Because its only because of his supernatural leading and hand over my life that I am able to do any of this. He has provided every single month for supplies and my needs. And he has given me opportunities that I never could have arranged myself. Such as early on, I started painting flags. I am a military wife so I am very nostalgic about our flag. But then I started doing the Texas flag and one day out of the blue I got an email from Sundance Film Festival. They wanted to use my flag in a photoshoot for their catalog. This was only about 6 months or so into painting! I learned early on that if I would just keep being obedient to what God was wanting to do and I listened for His voice first everyday, he would take care of it all.

Me: What mediums do you use?

Melissa:

I have a very fast painting style. I don't like to come back to a painting. Its probably because I paint so many different subjects that when I am on something, Im really "on it" and tomorrow, I wont be...so I use acrylic paint. I also use acrylic paint because I like to use graphite pencils and charcoal and oil pastels and scratch the surface with palette knives and fast drying acrylic paint allows me to do that. I also use ALOT of texture gels and pastes, different amounts for different paintings. My beachy abstract paintings use a lot. I use them to basically mimic the feel of sand and shells and things you would find on the beach. My more decorative paintings, I use just a thin layer of molding paste as a ground for me to paint on. I NEVER EVER paint right on a canvas. There is always a layer of something. 

Wow! Thank you so much Melissa for this interview! I'm sure you all are feeling so inspired right now! I know I am! If you would like to see more of Melissa's art or purchase some of your very own visit the links below:

Melissa's Website: www.melissalyonsart.com

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/melissalyonsart

Instagram: @melissalyonsart

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz3CQg3fMAA

No.41 - Changing the World

     If you haven't heard of or followed @no41, please go check out their organization!!  Here is their mission statement:

"No.41 uses fashion to provide sustainable employment and empower women to create change for themselves and their community." Such a wonderful and beautiful purpose.  It reminds me to wonder how I can help or change my own community - to be change instead of wishing for it.

Photographer - Sarah McAffry

     Gorgeous photo by +Sarah McAffry .  Sarah is one sweet lady and takes stunning senior portraits!  Stop by her feed for some photography inspiration.  Knoxville, Tennessee - you are super blessed to have such an amazing photographer that radiates Jesus' light!

Small Business Thoughts

     Powerful words!!! Repost from @whistleandflute

Do Not Fear

     Think about this today.  I ask that God help me humbly accept the path that He has chosen for me and be confident in the talents he has given me.  He is not a God of fear but a God of trust and faith!  You are here for a reason.  Don't let frustrations or struggles in your life cloud this truth or overcome your walk with God!!

Steal Like an Artist

     Sorry I've been a little m.i.a. lately, but I'm really trying to savor the last days of summer and prepare for the LAUNCH of I WONDER ORIGINAL!!! Oh I've been dreaming and planning it for so long!  Sometimes the going can get rough and that part is definitely not over yet but... feeling so lost and out of control sometimes makes me feel closer to God.  I'm a control freak and perfectionist :( When I realize that I can do nothing and feel so overwhelmed, I am reminded that I am not letting God take over the reigns.  Really... there is empowerment through my weakness.  I'm learning to trust God so much more and am realizing how great and powerful He is!!  I am absolutely nothing... but when He works through you, you can accomplish great things for His glory!  Quick side-note - READ THIS BOOK!! It's incredible!

Stay True to Yourself

     It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing.  Sometimes we feel that we have to be just like the other people/or person to be good enough or to impress them.  Hairstyles, clothing, way we talk, and personality are things we try to copy in others.  It's so important to stay true to ourselves and feel comfortable in our own skin.  We are all so so different... life would be boring if we were all the same.  What makes you you and me me is part of our calling in life and God's plan for us!

Want to be Featured?

  Use #freetobemejournal(for instagram) to submit any content that meets with the requirements in the "contact" page above. (or use the contact page to submit here) THis is your time to shine and help others get recognized!! Let's get the word out!

Never Ever Take Blessings for Granted

     We each receive so many blessings each day that it's impossible to count them.  Remember to take time to thank our Heavenly Father! Life can change in an instant... don't let the frustrations crowd your thoughts that they overcome the blessings in life.

How to Win Friends & Influence People

     Have you read this?  I am overwhelmed with awe for this book.  This book gives so many reminders that basically follow "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  It takes interactions with people and teacher you how to fully take interest in others so that it causes them to take interest in you.  This book is a must for anyone but especially business owners!!  Would love to hear your thoughts.

Do My Comments Matter?

     Sometimes I'll wonder about this.  But the truth is YES!!  Your comments do matter!  By leaving a comment, you can encourage someone, give helpful information, show support, as well as add valuable insight or opinions.  Even just commenting a little heart emoji lets someone know you are reading and it gives them a little boost in spirit.  You have the opportunity to share your voice!  Don't pass it up!

Let's Get the Word Out

     We live in a world that thrives on "I'm the best" = "You're not good enough."  This idea causes such stress, arrogance, discouragement, harshness and flat out heartbreak.  It really makes my heart sad.  I long for this account to grow into a community of women who break free from these ideas and instead unite to support and encourage one another... in life, business, dreams, and most of all our walk with God.  Let's get the word out there!  Please go to the first post and re-post the logo on your instagram account, website, or blog to share this movement! Wish I could give all of you a gigantic hug!!

Recipe - Figs Galore

     I love to try new things... especially food!  Here is a delicious and super simple recipe perfect for summertime!  

Ingredients:

Baguette - sliced and toasted

Ricotta cheese

Fig preserves - posted about this on my personal instagram (photography_2012)

Rosemary

Sliced Figs

Assemble in the order listed.

Faith Over Fear

     The first time I read this quote was when the fabulous Promise Tangeman shared it a few days ago... Since then I cannot stop thinking about the words... Powerful.  I want my dreams to be rooted in FAITH!  Most importantly, rooted in Jesus because I believe he instilled them in me.  Please share with someone who could use a little hug.

Elly Grace Creates

     This girl absolutely knocks my socks off with her creativity!  I am constantly blown away by her talent but most of all her heart for God.  Elly has recently been selling gorgeous embroidered pendent necklaces to fund her own dream of taking cello lessons! Love when girls realize a dream and find a way to make it come true!! I'm also lovin this photo she took of her recent project. Go check out this gem's work. Beautiful! @ellygrace.99 on instagram!

I Believe in You

     Words are powerful.  They can make or break a person.  Sometimes all we need is a simple "I Believe in You" to lift our spirits and encourage us to persevere.  My heart breaks for those who never hear these words... those who are constantly torn down and their fighting spirits beat to a pulp.  Please, don't be the one to tear someone down but choose the opportunity to speak life into them.  And for you my wonderful friends, I Believe in You!!!! :)

DIY Summertime Style

     

     Here is a quick little DIY for you.  During the summer, it can be fun to spruce up and "summerize" the inside of your house.  This summer, the mosquitoes have been crazy due to rain.  Some nights they are so bad that it's hard to sit outside and enjoy the summer evenings.  However, this little DIY can add a touch of summer even on those rainy buggy days.  Simply use some fun construction paper (I think this is scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby) and create fun little Chinese lanterns.  Then take Christmas lights and string them in the kitchen of whatever room you are in the most.  Last but not least, hang your adorable little lanterns.  At night when we are eating dinner, we turn the main lights out and eat underneath this "cafe" style decor.  You can also fill a bunch of vases and jars full of wildflowers and greenery to add more summery style. Enjoy!

Never too Old

     Ladies never let your dreams die or fade away! It's never to late to dream new ones.  Sometimes God reveals our purpose to us through passions, interests, and our secret dreams that we are afraid to share for fear of failure or embarrassment.  You are beautiful and have so much value! Let your dream soar and trust God for faith to help you succeed!

About the Founder

     Hi and Welcome! Here is a little bit about me: I am a dreamer who pretends that the 70s are here and now while searching to find Jesus in every aspect of life.  I don't believe that finding success in life is simply like playing the lottery.  God has a beautiful purpose for each one of us and I desire to trust Him completely to reveal his path for my life.  I am currently working towards the launch of my brand "I Wonder Original" where I will offer art, t-shirts, photography and a beautiful e-course/book... and who knows what else later on down the road.  My desire is to inspire you and encourage you to pursue your dreams because they are beautiful and I have faith in you.  So join in and share your dreams that God has so lovingly bestowed upon you!  I deeply want to join in your journey. Most importantly, let your light shine for Jesus! ~ Kat - Founder of Free to be Me -

Free to be Me

 

     Welcome to 'Free to be Me' a place of encouragement and inspiration for the woman following her dreams and living out the phrase "I'm free to be me".  Here we celebrate women who have struggled, are struggling or have finally achieved their dreams with Jesus as the center of it all in their lives.  Whether you have a dream to own a small business, already own a small business, dreams to travel the world, grow baskets full of wildflowers, live in a cabin in the woods, or run barefoot through a garden full of freshly grown tomatoes, this place is for you.  As women, we have the power to speak life into one another and build each other up to fulfill our purposes in life... sadly, however, we spend so much of our time tearing each other down and playing the comparison game.  Here you are "Free to be Me" as you embark upon your beautiful journey in life.  I'm so glad you are here and I look forward to seeing where God leads you in life and the incredible things He accomplishes through you! ~ Kat - Founder of 'Free to be Me' -