Are You Ready For This!

About a month ago I on a whim entered a major gallery showing.  It was competition based so my sketches/ideas had to beat out numerous competitors to qualify. I sent the sketches and forgot about....that is until I got an email saying I had made the cut!  O. M. G!!!!  

And so, just like that I had a life changing opportunity in my hands.  I was so happy to finally have a major platform to express my heart through something that I love so much.  Art.   But then, I starting looking at the formidable competitors and envisioning what they might be bringing to the table and the more I did that, the more nervous and apprehensive I got.  My ideas were not coming together properly and the ones I did like soon became "not good enough".  I was second guessing myself and it was getting me nowhere.

The back and forth and vacillation between excited and overwhelmed continued until my son put an end to it.  He looked me dead in the eye and informed me "you gat this mom!".......gave me a big hug and and walked off.  Well, turns out that was all I needed.  After that I had fire in my eyes.   No matter what happened I was going to create something amazing. Something I can be proud of. 

 The first piece I made took a whole day to make but it was a little off so I scrapped it and started over from scratch.  I did not let it get me down, I just knew I could do better....... and I will.  At the moment I am working on two of the three pieces required for the show and everything is coming together quite nicely.  I am started to get excited now because I can envision/see the final product......the finish line.  I will probably have a Steve Urkel moment at the end, like "Did I do that???!" but in a really good way.  I am going to make sure of that.  

Well, back to work I go but I will be posting the pictures here when everything is finished.  Have a beautiful weekend everyone.

Cherio!

Follow Your Dream

Even in my earliest memories, I recall that I always wanted "more" from my life.  More fun, adventure, love, laughter, education, freedom and more creativity especially.  I am an optimist at heart so I believe its possible to achieve all that you desire as long as you are willing to work for it.  For some people success is "all about the Benjamins"  but that has never been my focus, perhaps to my own detriment.  Its been 10 years since I decided to follow my dream and live my life with NO REGRETS.  What a ride! First stop, come to America and study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic design. Check.  It took me 4.5 grueling years to do mostly out of pocket but its done nonetheless. Next up,  Start my own company. Check.  Its still a baby but its my baby.  The next thing on my list was to move here to Georgia. Well, thankfully I was able to put a check mark to that on July 16th, 2010.  I have never cried or laughed more than in these last ten years. My life is exciting, fulfilling and challenging and despite the doubters, haters and many obstacles I face, I am still determined to reach my goals. Every single one of them.

One thing I have learned along the way is who my real friends and supporters are, it has truly been a blessing in my life. It is often said that hard times reveal character and I totally agree. It not only reveals your true character but also the characters of the people around you as well. I am grateful every day for my small inner circle of friends and family who have been there for me.  There is nothing I wouldn't do for them.

My next gaol is to launch my fashion line (Wanda Mcphee) in the fall of this year.  There is so much to do and so little time and money but I know God will make a way.  I truly believe in my vision and God's ability to bless and sustain it so I am excited to see how everything will work out.  There is nothing impossible with God. You do not have to settle for less than what you want out of life.  Figure out what you want, make a plan, and as of now start making steps toward it.  Even baby steps is progress. I know this from experience.

 If you are reading this and can identify with my life and struggles, be encouraged.  Each new day is a another opportunity for something wonderful to happen in your life.  NEVER GIVE UP.  I'll see you at the top.

(All art pictured in this post is my own and is a small taste of what is to come later in the year)