My Story is Art – 2011 Intentions and a look back

I tweeted this on Monday:

“2011 planning continues this week. My go to words this year: RE-DEFINE, GRACE, PAINTERLY, NARRATE. What are yours?”

Then Michelle from Sage Wedding Pros tweeted this and my head has been spinning ever since:

What is your INTENTION for 2011?

This year has gone by faster than any other in my life.  To say this year was full of changes, landmarks and hurdles is an understatement.  All good, moving-forward type changes though.  The kind any good life lead needs.  Moving into 2011 I am forever mindful of 4 distinct intentions:

1. We get only so far doing things as we have always done them.  RE-DEFINEition is the key to growth.

Alchemy at the Barn  shoot. Read more here, here and here.

2. Creative endeavors are at their finest when approached with a measure of GRACE.

I love to travel and each year I look forward to the Engage Events.  Sketching this year’s speakers was an honor.  Sketching the event live allowed me to really soak it all in.

3. Painting is at the core of what we do.  The PAINTERLY the better this coming year is where it’s at.

The Inspired Invitation collaborations with Jen and Green Wedding Shoes this year were a thrill!  Read more here, here and here!

4. NARRATEing is the heartbeat of my life.  I tell stories in paper, paint and prose everyday; stories of life, love and passion.  Here’s to another year of living mindfully everyday

Several trips to Utah this past year gave me a certain peace and verve for creating new art.  Read more here, here and here!

Lastly as I launch into 2011 I need to say thank you to so many.  This journey is laden with people who make each step easier, more enlightened and full of fun.  For those of you who read along everyday and give encouragment with your sweet comments, I thank you too.  You support mean so much, everyday.  Cheers!!

Engage!10 The Breakers – Because Sometimes a Girl has to Get Out!

Logo sketch created for Engage!10 swag bag

For those of you who follow my posts regularly, you know that my twice a year dose of industry inspiration are the Engage symposiums expertly orchestrated by Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts. In June I was lucky enough to be immersed in the vibrancy and grace that for me defines the Cayman Islands. Read more here and here to catch up a bit with my Engage story.

The short of it is that I have built my business with the best of the best as my mentors and friends all thanks to THE event that unfolds each June and October. With the perfect balance of smart and sincere networking along with detail that inspires endlessly, Engage has made it’s mark on so many of our hearts.

So on to a few favorite details until my more extensive posts next week… Enjoy!

DVB Photographers
Kathryn and Rebecca from Engaging Concepts, who’s attire always coordinates perfectly with the event details… Love that!!

DVB Photographers
Decor and details were jaw-dropping at every step… The Breakers wedding crew were the most gracious hosts.

Mel Barlow Photography
Watching Sylvia decorate her own cake live was both surreal and unforgettable. This was quite possibly the highlight of my week!

DVB Photographers
Rebecca and Kathryn never cease to thrill attendees with gorgeous swag and goodies.

Lara Casey
Volume III of Southern Wedding debuted at Engage!10 shown here alongside my favorite sketch of the fabulous Lara Casey! Stay tuned as this issue has a bit of Momental love inside.

So much more to come! Next week I’ll reveal Engage!10: Sketched.

Engage!10 Recap Part I – The Stationery and Sylvia!

What I love most about this industry are the people and dynamic nature of the business….we create new, beautiful and meaningful everyday (or at least strive to) and for this I feel grateful to even be a part.  Over the next week I will share my view of the life changing time I experienced at Engage 10 in Grand Cayman; from the striking style and paper goodness to the innovative people and ideas all captured through my eyes and pen.

With inspiring paper from Envelopments we created the main session stationery including these oversized placecards.  Jasmine Star grabbed this gorgeous shot complete with the clean morning sunlight trickling in.   I was completely overwhelmed as word got around that these lovelies were in fact individually hand painted.  Thank you everyone for your kind words and sincere appreciation for the hard work that went into crafting these pieces.

Coordinating agendas and stunning folders by my friends at Envelopments.  Folder shot by Donna!

Feeling a bit start struck in the room you can imagine my shock when Sylvia Weinstock headed over to chat and compliment the stationery.  This gal just about fell over, but not before I asked good friend Donna Von Bruening to capture the moment!  I was thrilled to have the chance to thank Sylvia for my treasured Renewal cake in person!

During hour 1 at Engage a little sketch of Envelopments Brocade pattern turned into a collage of ideas….

I think in images, color and often find my written notes evolving into sketches.  Since my first Engage experience I felt compelled to sketch and this time around my hand could not seem to keep up with my ideas.  The Engage Symposiums are all about people.  I felt this time, the room was taking a collective, much needed breath.  Conversation was electric, the energy was palpable and sincerity and kindness seemed to be the thread that brought us all together.  Egos were checked at the door and we got right down to living and learning in this live, raw and real moment that became for me the single-most energizing experience of my career to date.

After a few days to simmer and turn notes into actions these words stay at the top of my mind:

Value, Move, Define, Share, Listen, Curate

Check back tomorrow for more …sketches of Colin Cowie, Marcy Blum and more!

Protected: Engage10!:Rebecca and Kathryn