This & That

I have several but the one I’m loving at the moment is Libby. It’s the library app that helps you checkout digital books from libraries within the US and Canada. All you need is a valid library card and you’re set. I listen to tons of audio books while I drive from gig to gig and this app is free, easy, and fantastic. Yes, I could use Kindle or Audible, and I have, but they charge a fee. Ok yes, I do have to place books on hold sometimes especially the new releases but then it’s like Christmas when I get a ping and one of my holds is ready to download.

The other app that goes hand in hand with Libby is Goodreads. It is a free service for book tracking, recommendations and reviews. I listen to so many books I don’t always remember the titles so this app helps me keep track of what I’ve read and what is next in the series. I also, get to see what my friends are reading and what they reccomend.

Let’s be friends on Goodreads

What’s your favorite app?

Jeremy Biggers is a Dallas-based artist. He attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where he primarily focused on expression through graphite and charcoal drawing. During his college years he cultivated his love for painting and photography, and they’ve since cemented themselves into his everyday life. Biggers' work is shaped by experiences that inform his view of the world. His goal with each piece is to inspire conversation.
Many murals you find around DFW are his and in February, Jeremy collaborated with Fossil to design a new watch for Black History month.
To find out more go to his website
and follow him on Instagram

I’m was listening to “The Spiritual Artist” podcast the other day. In episode 17 Chris Miller was interviewing Artist Jackie Fuch and she was speaking directly to me.

Right at about the 22 minute mark is says…..
When an artist says, “Oh, I’m struggling”, that’s not abundance, that’s lack. We always have a choice. Am I living in lack or am I living in abundance?

Am I a fountain in the world or am I a drain?

Wow, just wow.

She goes on talking about manifestation and how quickly what she puts out there comes to her. I was just wondering what my next blog post was going to be about when I started listening to this podcast. TaDa!

Julie Shunick Brown is a contemporary artist in Dallas, TX.

I love what she has to say about her process. “My painting evolves as life does. Currently, the process is intuitive - no preconception or idea of the end result.  The work gets more deliberate and intentional as it progresses but it develops as a reaction to what is on the canvas. I focus on composition and color and the result is a surprise that often seems reflective of life.”

Check her website to learn more her and her art.

I stumbled across this reel on Instagram when I was avoiding work. It’s so powerful!
I have mixed feelings about it, not that I don’t agree with it, because I do. Knowing it all comes down to me is scary. Showing up for others is a cakewalk for me but showing up for myself is a struggle at best some days. That’s why when these beautiful, friendly reminders come knocking on my door, or rather in my Instagram feed, I pay attention and am grateful. Here is what Mel Robbins said.

Charlie along with her mother Erica own Bluebell Kitchen. They create amazing botanical inspired wedding cakes and macarons. You’ll have to cross the pond to go to their shop and taste their goodies.  I guarantee it’s worth the trip. Their cakes are a work of art. I’m so mesmerized by their talent. Even if you aren’t planning a trip to Kent follow them on IG @bluebellkitchen. You won’t be disappointed.
I’ve known Charlie for many years and she is as delightful as her creations.
Checkout their website

In my travels I’d seen stacked rocks. I’ve been told it was for other travelers to help them safely find their way. Trail markers if you will. Though at the time I never thought much of it as an art form. Well, not until my friend Laurence started posting about it did I ever think of stacking rocks as anything more.

I’m 95% Pollyanna and I’m “glad” (see what I did there) to see the bright side of things. It just makes me feel good. I’ve was a negative Nelly in my early 20’s and I decided that’s not how I want to live my life so like my friend Karen says, “I choose to be happy.” It is a choice and I’m all the better for it.

I don't get to visit this lovely person often as she lives in #Canada. I'm fortunate to own a piece of her #pottery. Jesse Weise is multi talented artist who is one of the kindest people I've ever met. Check out her Etsy shop WeiseArts. #dancer #teacher #potter www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WeiseArts

I had a lovely lunch with a dear friend of mine the other day. And we discussed insecurities or more so,  my insecurities and what’s going on with me at the moment in my creativity. She sent me an email with this piece she wrote years before and  it  hit home. It was just what I needed to hear. I’m sure I’m not the only one that could benefit from reading this lovely piece of written word.

I decided to share it with all of you and hopefully it resonates with you as much as it did me. And if it doesn’t now I will leave it right here for you to stumble across when you need it.

Thank you Nancy Robbins for the kind, uplifting words. Some days I just need to be reminded.

Rebecca Lansdown Collins is a mixed media mosaic artist. She counts herself among the fortunate in that she has been able to create a life that she loves. A commercial artist by day, she runs a successful pet portraiture studio. By night, indulging her true love, creating mixed media mosaics that explore a wide variety of themes and subjects. Check out her Etsy Shop.