Photo - Kaity

Gorgeous photos by Kaity @fareisle

Photography - Madlyn Jane

     Beautiful photo by @madlynj Her feed is absolutely whimsical and refreshing!!

Photography - Anita

     Beautiful photos by Anita(@somnabule75). Love her feed!

Photography - Allison

     Photo by Allison(@rubyandpeach). Adventuresome little fairy!! Love the flower crown and flowy dress... always so whimsical!

Thoughts at the Beach

     Well I'm back at home.  Sad but glad.  It was a wonderful farewell to summer and now I'm excited to prep for fall and get back on schedule.  Actually... I'm ready to hand everything over to my Savior and have Him plan my days.  Vacation is always such a time free from worry.  That's exactly how He tells us to live EVERYDAY!  Just TRUST Him!  Anyone with me?

Beach View

     View from our balcony.  Trying to soak in every second!

Women Entrepreneurs Feature - Mary Wangerin

     Good Morning, friends!  I am giddy with excitement to share with you this week's "Women Entrepreneurs Feature".  I know you are going to love it and be filled with inspiration just as I am.  Today's feature is my sweet friend and artist Mary Wangerin.  I have been so very blessed by her sweet spirit, heart for God, and love for life that is clearly depicted in her brightly colored paintings.  Let's begin.

Me: Has art always been part of your life?

Mary: Oh my goodness yes. Life is art, after all! But in the literal sense of the question, I remember spending hours as a little girl with my crayons and blank sheets of paper. The desire to create with my hands runs deep. 

Me: How did you feel called to be an artist?

Mary: When I began to silence the noise all around me, and truly listen to my inner thoughts - what I felt was the push to begin creating again. 
I had just graduated college and my hubby and I had moved to a tiny town in the mountains. I spent hours in my little studio reconnecting with color and texture through paint, and I completely and totally fell in love. 

These words from Joseph Campbell resonate so much with what it felt like to choose this path: 
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”  - Joseph Campbell

Me: Where do you gather inspiration and can you explain a little about your creative process?

Mary: I am a mixed media artist. My favorite materials include acrylic paint, pastels, charcoal pencils, found objects + ephemera. Layers and layers of colorful goodness make my heart happiest. 

I'm inspired by so much of daily life - you know, the little things. A delicious cup of coffee in my favorite mug. Watching the leaves dance + twirl + fall. Good conversation. Togetherness. A field of wildflowers. Long bike rides. Road trips to nowhere in particular. The way the sunlight filters through the sheer curtains in the morning. The moon! The list goes on and on.

Me: If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Mary: Tune into your own creative spirit. Listen to what calls you, and what comes naturally, and do that! Don't worry so much about what you think people will love, or want to purchase. Make art and don't worry about the outcome. That's where the real joy is.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your beautiful thoughts about your artistic process and journey with us.  I have been blessed by your story and am so thankful for you! :)

Please check out Mary's artwork!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryWangerin?ref=ss_profile

Instagram: MaryWangerin

Blog: http://theturquoisepaintbrush.blogspot.com/

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!

Musician - Amy Nelson

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

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! :)  

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!

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!!

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!!

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 -