I am lucky to have a Job I really Love!!!! May 10, 2010

Not everyone can say that...but I sure can!!!!

Let me tell you why I thought I would never be lucky enough to be doing what I really love, and that is TEACHING. 

As far back as I can remember, during my childhood, one of my favorite pastimes was playing school. Oh yes, and I always wanted to be the teacher, not the student. I had to sometimes fight hard for that position, but my controlling personality (even way back then) paid off. I always got to be in my favorite spot...in front of the classroom. I made it fun, I created projects and tried to make learning interesting, even through the class consisted only of my sister and friends.

One Christmas I asked for a big blackboard, chalk, pens/pencils, writing pads, and art supplies. Also, added in a few decorations. I was planning that perfect place to teach. So funny how I knew at such a young age how important a teacher was in your life. Throughout my educational years, I have had so many inspirational, positive, energetic, and fabulous teachers. But not all were great and some did not leave me with a lasting impression. I use to think that these teachers really do not like their jobs. So important to have passion in what you are doing, because it is contagious, and the people around you will feel the same.

As I entered my Senior year in high school, my will to become a teacher was stronger than ever. I spent 3 afternoons a week in a 3rd grade classroom as a student aide. These kids had such a will to learn and they became so excited when they mastered something new. Seeing their little eyes light up, made me even dream harder for a classroom full of students. However the teacher in this classroom did not share the same enthusiasm, and each day she would whittle away at my dreams and desires with these discouraging worda:

Teaching is a non rewarding job

Teaching gives no satisfaction

Teaching is not for everyone

Teaching is no longer fun

See that child, there is nothing more I can do!!

As a young person, I held up respect for this 65 year old teacher (I know now she was ready for retirement) and she managed to change my dreams and desires. I could not believe that anyone would think being a teacher was not a rewarding job, that it gave no satisfaction, that it might not be for everyone, but I knew it was for me, no longer fun, you have to make it fun and the most discouraging comment to hear from a teacher is that they have given up on a student. Good or bad, you have to work hard to make that student shine.

No, after graduation I did not pursue my teaching dreams. A few jobs later I began to feel my heartstrings being tugged at, and I knew then, that teaching was where I needed to be.

In 1988, I left a long standing job to venture into that dream. It was not in a school with my own huge classroom filled with kids, but it was in my home based art studio. This is where I began to teach adults to paint...it was Heaven.  I actually think this became the reason behind my business name Heavenly Heart Creations.  I am in Heaven being in the classroom, love anything with hearts, art is my passion and just being able to be creative every single day. 

So many years have passed, since I first opened my doors to my studio, and it has given me more, than I could have ever imagined. Not only has teaching given me so much, it also has led me to my current desires designing, creating (anything) and traveling. 

To all my students past, present, abroad and the future, you have given me so much to be thankful for. You brought back my childhood desires and dreams.  My only hope for each of you, is that I sparked that interest in you, to love the artistic world as much as I do. It is a huge world and so many wonderful artists to admire, but I am so glad you have given me the chance to share my passion with all of you. 

Teaching is beyond rewarding.

Teaching is SATISFACTION....the only word to describe this profession.

Teaching is for ME!!! Love every minute of it...always miss the classroom when I am not there.

Teaching is fun  and I try hard to make it a happy place to be.

Every student can paint and I know for sure you can. 

It never gets dull hearing from a student, "Thank you so much for sharing and it is because of you that I truly love to paint". 

What job could be better...

Kim

The Best Way to Spend a Saturday April 1, 2010

Is with some great painting friends...

What a fun day had by all...

Drove North on 495, towards Hooksett, NH, to a lovely studio owned by Fran. 

As I walked into her bright, airy studio I was immediately surrounded by all her wonderful artwork.

Loved the homey and welcoming atmosphere.

She is not only the best grandmother, but you can tell her heart belongs to her paintbrush.

Thanks so much Fran for having me come to teach and share my design, "Glow of Harvest" with everyone.

It was a relaxing day, and I was thrilled that you as the hostess, was able to join in and paint....Fabulous job!!!

Barbara how lucky you are to be a backyard neighbor and weekly student of Fran's.

You were excited to paint this project and I could tell you have a special teacher that has guided and developed your painting skills. 

Kudos to you...

Helene to my first time seminar attendee...way to go girl.  I would have never known.  I hope I was able to share with you some new tricks and tips...always fun to learn something new.

Thanks so much for giving me the chance.  It was a pleasure.

To my dear friend Mae, boy we have known each other for a longtime...it is nice to know I can always count on you.

One of my best cheerleaders.  As we have always said, "Wish we lived closer to each other"....but glad at least we had this opportunity to get together and paint.

Also, thank you to everyone else that attended the class...you dodged my camera lens...I will get you the next time.

Thanks also for the great pot luck luncheon..conversation that made us all laugh...best of all your painting friendship.

Until next time always paint with a happy heart...cannot wait until our next painting Saturday.

Kim

Not painting related... Just a Proud Mom March 15, 2010

My time in Las Vegas is almost coming to an end.  Even though I have so much to get done in my studio back home, I have many reasons to be sad to leave Las Vegas.  The biggest reason is our son Justin, an Airman stationed at Nellis AFB, in Las Vegas, Nevada…

Our son took early enlistment while he was a junior in high school and upon graduation from Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island he left home at the age of 18, to start his life in the military.  I will never forget the day my husband Roger and I brought him to Boston, gave him a big hug, waved goodbye, knowing that the next day he would be leaving, bound for San Antonio Texas, to begin his new life away from home.  I tell you that was one of the hardest days of my life.  So many thoughts went through my mind, remembering so many things during his childhood (saying, “Where did the time go”?), wondering if he will be safe, will he like what he has decided to do in life, will he be happy and when or if ever, will he return home.  Well, that day was 8 years ago (now 26), and no he has not returned home… just for a few visits.  The older we get, the harder it becomes, to say goodbye. 

Justin is now married to a wonderful girl and presently works as a medic at the local VA hospital. Come November 2010, he has to make a decision whether to continue on with a military career or opt to process out of the military. My Mom heart wants to tell him to leave the military (come home), but as a military brat (Dad was in the USAF almost 30 years) I know it can give him a good life.  Moms can only give advice but the end result has to be theirs…

Justin just recently completed his first tour of duty as part of the hospital medic team deployed in Afghanistan. It is hard to be away from home for long periods of time and to see such conflict. However Justin felt honored to be a part of this experience. As a little boy, I never thought he would be fit for such a position, but so resembles the personality of his Dad… giving, kind-hearted, and such a quiet gentle soul. Just the type of person, you would want alongside your hospital bedside, during tough times.

Yesterday, while visiting the VA hospital I got the opportunity to meet one of Justin’s bosses and I could never have been more proud of him than at that moment.  Once I was introduced, his boss proceeded to tell me it was a privilege to be deployed with Justin in Afghanistan and that he could not have asked for a better Airman to work with.  I think his boss had a little something to do with his current transfer from ICU to Family practice and once again they are working together on the same team. Last week Justin was awarded with a trophy and certificate for Airman of the Year, so I think he must be doing something right. He is a man of little words, but will always greet you with a huge smile.  Yes that smile I do miss… thanks for being our son… giving us much to be thankful for protecting our country with honor… Most of all I am proud to tell everyone I am your MOM…

Three generations… My Mom, Jan, son Justin and Me… trying not to hold on too tight…

We can only hold onto our children for a short time but they remain our children for life…

Until next time… Love Mom

My Seminar Adventure at O’Flanary’s Emporium March 13, 2010

For several years, I have ventured to Redlands, CA to teach at Judy Coates shop, O’Flanary’s Emporium, the first weekend right after attending the Creative Painting convention as a vendor. My trip would not be complete, if this seminar was not on my calendar. This year was no exception. I always arrive a few days early to get things underway. Always good to have a little time to kick back, and relax, before the seminar begins on Saturday. It is a short trip from Vegas to CA… took to the air, via Southwest airlines… arrived in Ontario, CA primed for some sunny weather… not this time… but you know what, it truly does not matter what is happening with the weather, I always look forward to meeting my regular students and getting the opportunity to be amidst several new painting friends… cannot imagine a better way to spend my weekend.

Always look forward to the goodies that Judy prepares for all the students. Look at what each student had waiting for them at their designated painting area…

Judy takes the time to hand paint each, and every student a pin, so they can wear them throughout the seminar. She typically selects a section from the seminar project to use as the theme… It is amazing how various students have kept and attached each pin, from previous years, to their painting apron. It brings back lots of memories. Inside the charming bags were all their goodies for the weekend and a couple modest snacks… yes we do get the munchies…

Let the seminar begin… we had two fun-filled days of painting. Look at the tables… I think all the students came prepared… cannot live without all our favorite tools… painters and all our gadgets. Do you think they worked up a thirst?

Really concentrating on that detail and line work and doing a great job.

O’Flanary’s is where I get the opportunity to test out my convention projects for the upcoming year. It is a great way to establish timing, tweak some areas, and just have some downright fun. Hope they all learned a few new tips and tricks. It is always my aim to design something new and different. Challenges are the best way to educate and better your skills.

It is always a pleasure to see everyone wearing a happy smile. I think the results were great….

This table was having way too much fun… but that is what makes these painting seminars so much fun… You all make my job so much easier…

Lots of painting friends, yummy food (yes there was plenty of that), amazing company, such gracious hosts, makes for a grand way to begin my seminar season.

Thank you so much Judy, for all your hard work, being a gracious hostess, sharing great conversation and for providing another great seminar for all to enjoy. Thank you Judy Craik for being with us for two days, a great classroom monitor and yes, you should paint with us next year… hint… hint… Jan thanks for all your help with the preparations on Friday… such a big help as always.

To all my students past, present and future thank you for your constant support it truly is a joy for me to get the opportunity to share with you what I know and I hope you left the seminar knowing a little more than the day before. Until next year… happy painting my dear friends…

Kim

Viva Las Vegas 2010 March 1, 2010

The Las Vegas Creative Painting 2010 convention has come to an end... my first convention of 2010.  What a week it was... wish I had taken various pictures of the first day of set up. What a mess... first comment is always, where do we begin? It is amazing that in the midst of all the crates and boxes it all comes together and we are prepared for the opening day of the show. The shows are special for a business owner because we all get the opportunity to meet our customers face to face... nice to receive handshakes, hugs and kisses... the trade floor was crowded right as the doors opened. Painters just love the opportunity to shop, find that new wood piece, pattern packet or just stand to admire other artist’s work.

I had a small booth space this year but it all came together pretty well. You just find a way to make it all fit... My Mom lives in Las Vegas and loves the thought that she can add her homey touches to the booth by sharing her treasures from home. They make great booth props. Trust me, she would have enough to share with the entire trade floor... but I, too, have a house full of goodies... I love my collections and I have many.  I would never be at lost for a thought or idea for a new design.

I adore creating sampler designs... there are countless designs within one work of art. I expect you can create lots of pleasurable paintings, stitching, and appliqués with each design I share with all of you. In the course of my travels, teaching and exhibiting at conventions it is amazing to see and hear what people have done with my designs. There are so many creative people amongst us and it is a pleasure to be among so many of you. I know there is so much more out there and with a bit of luck, through this new venture, it will give me the chance to meet so many more of my fellow artists. Thank you all, for stopping by to say "Hi" and your constant support it truly means so much.  It is worth all the hard work...

Until next time Happy Creating...

Hugs for now... Kim