Welcome back to Beginnings where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity! Yes! And today we are celebrating the New Year! So excited for you to be joining me with this Fresh Start to our linear lives! 

In the above video is my 4th Vlog, the first of 2023; in it I share some Show and Tell which includes a sketchbook update with a pen sketch I’ve been working on so you can see the progress I’ve made and my take on some art supplies. 

I also include items that have been inspiring me as an artist and creator that I thought might inspire you too! 
I also speak of my plans for this week and what’s been on my mind that I want to accomplish. 

In the beginning of the video, I speak about styling my hair differently and invited you to “vote” for straight or curly; so if you have the fun initiative to do so, you’re welcome to leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel! 

I also share a bit about my Music Mind Bullet Journal Collection and why I keep it. Music is always in the Mind! (Thus is the life of this aspiring musician!) 

Finally, I share a new JOY Card Reading from my JOY Finder Game Card Deck which is my own creation; this one has to do with Life Messages! There is a time stamp for the video so you can pick and choose what topic interest you if you desire to do so, unless you want to watch from start to finish. 

This vlog includes just one day’s recording, January 3, 2023. I want to try keeping it a bit shorter, even though it’s 20 minutes in length anyway. Thus the time stamp! 

I appreciate your continued interest in my Beginnings as Artist, Illustrator, Aspiring Musician and Journal Keeper. I am always interested in what you are Beginning, especially as we enter this New Year of 2023.

Journaling Prompts: 
What goals do you have in mind for this New Year? What is vitally important to you right now? What did you dismiss in 2022 to make room for the new in 2023? What have you not tried that you are curious about that inspires you to go down that rabbit hole? Make a list of what is calling to your heart. Choose one to take action on this week. One small step can make all the difference to open your heart today! 

You’re welcome to leave a comment below about your Beginning, your Fresh Start. 
I am here to cheer you on! 
​Happy New Year and I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! In this final post of the year, I will be sharing with you my 7 Topics I chose to focus on that were the most important to me concerning my activity and content here at Refresh with Dawn Herring as well as my growth as artist and aspiring musician. 

Many of the points I share about in Vlog 3 (above) in more detail, especially with my specific art supplies so you’re welcome to check that out as well, and join me for an impromptu Christmas Holiday Party! 

Below I have listed off these 7 Topics along with links to varying content that is available right here on my website, in case you haven’t seen it or read it yet and would like to. 

First on the list is my One Year Anniversary of Playing Piano: I go into the details of my song writing and experience with learning to play my spiritual songs in this post, Music Life Lens: Celebrating One Year of Piano from my The Way I See It blog. Learning to play an instrument to accompany myself while I sing my spiritual songs has been a deeply satisfying and thrilling experience. Music has always been in my blood and this just solidifies it in a way I’ve never experienced before. And I continue to enjoy learning and growing as an aspiring musician throughout ‘22. I look forward to new horizons of where it will take me into 2023. Special Thanks to everyone who has supported me and watched my music videos on YouTube. You can access them here on my Music Page! 

The second item on the list is my The Way I See It Podcast which premiered on April 13, with the first episode, Three Keys to Aligned Living, followed by Sensory Power, A Creative Lifeline, Resistance or Flow?, Music Mind, Saying Goodbye and Give Yourself a Voice. Each topic ties in to Awareness, Attitude and Intuition and how they lead to Aligned Living, giving examples from my own life. Each episode comes with a transcript and journaling prompts for further reflection and empowered action. You can access each episode on my podcast resource page. 
It was also fun to create illustrations to accompany each episode, making it a visual reminder of the what are my truths expressed. You can view these illustrations on my Commercial Art Page. 

New music is next on the list! Yes, I already spoke about playing piano. But with each new song I write, there is always the possibility of it ending up being composed for the piano. Not all the songs I write are composed; some I just record for future reference. But the ones that do end up in my piano book, I then determine which ones I will share with you, my friends! And this year I chose to share several on my YouTube Channel: You Are My Friend, The Evidence, The Eternal Now and my newest song, which is the theme song for Beginnings blog, I just released last week on 12/8/22. These have been such excited and rewarding times for me, sharing spiritual songs that come directly from my Sacred Studies and Prayer/Meditation, which are my foundational actives to my Spiritual Practice. When I sense that a song may be a source of encouragement in Spirit, I choose to share it publicly. Again, I so appreciate those who take the time to watch/listen to my spiritual songs. (You can watch them here.) And my greatest hope, in addition to spiritual support from my music, is that the Beginnings theme song will be a continual source of inspiration, encouragement and empowerment for your in your creativity! 

The next category of items to look back on is my ART. Art is such a fun and vibrant part of my creative practice; I would never want to live without it. For this year my main focus has been on illustration, both in my personal journal to highlight moments in my day that I want to remember as well as illustrations I create for my content here at Refresh with Dawn Herring. 

My first point of reflection is with switching out the design of my personal journal illustrations. I show examples of how I did this in Vlog 3 specifically. Initially when I learned to draw myself as a cartoon figure, I introduced it inside one of the letters of my word doodle. But after doing this for a while, I decided I wanted to give more space to my illustration and less space to the word itself. What a difference this has made for me as an illustrator overall. I can put much more detail and surrounds into these “spot” illustrations which give me more room to express all the things that matter to me. It is so much more fun as well. 

My next item focuses on the Art Mediums I used in my illustration work this year and how I changed things up to experiment and explore and see where it would take me. I was working with fine point and brush pens from Faber Castell and Tombow for the first couple of years. This year, I decided to play with pencil and pastel! I use both regular and water soluble pencil as well as water soluble pastel (Prismacolor and Caran’Dache brands). I show these in Vlog 3 as well if you want a close up view of what I’m using and my favorite colors. It has been fun seeing what I can do with pencil and pastel since I hadn’t worked with it in quite some time. Pen and marker had become my go to for so long. Pencil is pretty straightforward but when adding water to the mix, it takes on a whole new vibe! I plan to try more of this in 2023 now that I have mixed media paper to create future illustrations with. The Commercial Art I created for my Refresh with Dawn Herring content was also done in colored pencil, but I start my commerical art with sketching pencil rather than pen for these. My personal illustrations are always started with a fine line pen and then filled with color. I look forward to doing more experimenting with these mediums and see what new work I will produce and have fun with! 
I also wanted to add here that I got back to sketching with just fine black pen this year, getting Back to the Basics, as I like to put it. If you would like to see my pen sketches, I show them inVlog 1 and Vlog 2.  

My next point in review is the launch of my new Blog, Beginnings where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! Woot! This has been a such an exciting venture so far, sharing art demos, new music, and talking about what’s on my mind as a Creator with you. My aim and goal with this new blog theme is to encourage, inspire and empower you in your creativity. Those of you who have read my posts, watched my videos and left comments and thumbs up are so deeply appreciated. Thank you! You make it fun and worthwhile, letting me know what is inspiring you.  I look forward to sharing more of my Beginnings in 2023! 

And my final point of review of ‘22 is with my brand new venture of Vlogging, giving you a Behind the Scenes View of what I’m up to. It has given me a place to chit chat with you about all kinds of subjects, plus show you some art and play bits of music to inspire you in your creative path. I so appreciate those who have already watched the first two vlogs I released, and now the 3rd vlog with this new post. Your comments and thumbs up are so greatly appreciated. It’s exciting to have a new format in which to share my creative life with you, my friends! I’m having FUN! And I trust you are too! 

Well, that wraps up my 2022 Year in Review! It’s been a fun ride, an interesting journey and I look forward to what is in store in 2023. I do hope you will join me as we continue our creative journeys together; that makes it so much more fun, doesn’t it? 

I am always here to cheer you on, to encourage and inspire you and even empower you to take those first steps, choosing courage as you determine where you will express yourself as only you can do! 

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! 
Here’s to 2023! 

​And I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 

All images, artwork and music shared are Copyrighted to Dawn Herring, 2023. 

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! 
In this post, I am sharing my 2nd Vlog, a new venture here at Refresh with Dawn Herring, giving you a peek behind the scenes, where I share my thoughts on what I’m up to, topics that are of interest to me, plus wardrobe selections. And I’m having fun! 

The topics I cover in Vlog 2 are an inside view of my new theme song, Beginnings, which you can watch on my home page here on the website. I also chat about my take on social media, why I choose to be present in various outlets, especially in connection with you, my friend! I also share a sketch update and do some “show and tell” with art supplies. 

I also chat about decluttering and what a difference it has made for me. (If you want to read and watch about my decluttering process, please click here.)
And another topic is about my 2 decks of cards I use for insight and connection with Spirit and where they come from. (Not tarot related.) 
And of course, my wardrobe picks! 

If that is of interest to you, then you’re welcome to watch the video! I have chosen to create a time stamp so you can choose your topic of interest if you’re thus inclined unless you just want to watch from start to finish! 

Vlog 2 encompasses 4 days, 2 in late November and 2 in early December. 

I hope you enjoy, are inspired and leave a comment about your favorite subject matter that I chat about. I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback is highly appreciated. And you're welcome to share what Your Beginning is right now. I'd love to support and celebrate with you! 

​And I wish you the very BEST of Beginnings! 

Welcome back to my new blog, Beginnings, where we chat about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! 

This is a very special post to me because I am sharing a brand new song that I received basically as a surprise in connection with this new blog, Beginnings. I’ve been working diligently behind the scenes, working with lyric, melody, tempo, and composition on the piano in readiness to share this song with you, dear friend. 

The reason why I’m so excited to share this is the Message behind it. My aim and goal with this song is to encourage you, inspire you and empower you as a Creator in your own life, giving you the impetus to take those first steps, with courage and bravery, in whatever way you are choosing to do. 

I have shared the lyrics to this new song, our theme song, Beginnings, with the purpose to giving you something to run with, sing along with, to buoy you up, especially when you could use a little uplifting in your journey. 

If you would like to learn more about my experience with receiving this song and writing the lyrics and what that has meant to me, you’re welcome to watch my first vlog here. I explain it in detail. 

Let me just say here that it is a gift to me as a Creator and I want to pass that gift on to you! 
I hope it deeply resonates with you. Please let me know if it becomes a source of encouragement to you in your 
creative pursuits! I’d love to hear from you. 

Beginnings 
Words and music by Dawn Herring 

This is your Beginning
Just knowing Who You Are

This is your Beginning
Look how You’ve come so far

Beginnings are the Magic
That spur You on

Beginnings Reveal
Where You’ve come from 

Beginnings are the Place
Where It Starts

Beginnings are the Promise
That Sets You Apart 

Believe in Your Vision
In What You See

Believe in Your Power
To Make It Be

Believe in Your Knowing
That Shows You How

And Watch It Grow to Be
From Just a Seed
To a Flowering 

You are welcome to watch the video so you can hear the melody; and then you’re welcome to sing along! 
I hope it’s a song that resonates deeply and gives you courage to keep going toward your creative dreams! 

Believe in yourself as a Creator; Trust Your Intuition; See yourself doing what brings you the Greatest Joy and then take one step and then another until you’re on a roll! And then keep going! 

You have a Creative Gift that only you can fulfill. Use it to make the world a better place. 
And we will Celebrate together! 

Because here at Refresh with Dawn Herring, Beginnings Are Celebrated! And so are YOU! 

I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 

Hello and welcome back to Beginnings where we talk about fresh starts, new cycles, exploration, experimentation and creativity! 

In this post, I am sharing my very first video log (vlog) where I talk about and share new art, pen sketches to be specific, my experience with new music and my thoughts on a video project which is already published on my YouTube Channel, which you can access here on my website. 

I decided to record some behind the scenes footage to share more of my thoughts and intentions with my creativity and with my content that I share here on my website. This is a new venture for me and I'd love to know what you think! 

I've been inspired by other artists who have vlogs and decided to try my hand at it; if you like it, please give it a thumbs up on YouTube and leave a comment below on your favorite part! I hope you are inspired in your own creativity; that is my aim and goal always. 

Thank you for watching and supporting my YouTube Channel and my presence online as a creator. 

That means a lot to me! 
And I wish you the Best of Beginnings! 

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. For this post, I will be sharing about a “full house” declutter, and more specifically the jewelry pieces I chose to remove. If that interests you, then keep on reading. ☺️

First a little backstory. I have done major house Declutters several times over the past 5 or 6 years, referring to various Decluttering experts and their published books for reference and inspiration. And I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff as a result. 

This time around, I have been more recently inspired by a funny and practical person; I found her initially on YouTube and subscribed to her newsletter. I’m referring to Dana K White of A Slob Comes Clean. I love watching her videos where she features different areas of her house that she is decluttering with her tips and tricks and her unique decluttering process that she uses personally and teaches others how to do. 

One of the things I love about Dana is that she focuses on intuition as your guide, a way to trust yourself to know where to put things. I won’t get into the five step process she uses but I have followed at least 3 of her steps and it does help reduce the overwhelm when it comes time to declutter. 

I’ve been through all visible spaces, bathroom and living room cabinets, as well as a full wardrobe and jewelry declutter (and I'm still taking stuff out!). I still haven’t finished my whole space (more kitchen to do) and really, you never do. It’s an ongoing process to keep up the reduction of clutter over time. But I’m pleased with what I have accomplished; and it motivates me to keep it up. 

I think it helps to start with a visible space that doesn’t take up a lot of room. That’s where I started. At my dining room table. Yes, I have several items I keep there and I completely decluttered and revamped what remains and how I store it. 

It also helps to “shop” in your own home for storage solutions once you remove what doesn’t need to be there. I found myself exchanging containers from one place to another, and it worked out nicely. One basket was on the table; I moved it to use it in a drawer instead. I also moved a black mesh office organizer from that drawer and chose it for the dining room space and it’s perfect. One clear plastic dish was in that same drawer and I moved it to the kitchen to hold items in one place. Yes, it’s helpful when you don’t have to buy anything! 

That leads me to decluttering my Jewelry Collection. It was an interesting experience for me to go through it. I’m big on jewelry and hang on to things longer than I should in some cases, so it was time. Using Dana’s process, I removed what was worn or broken, some stuff I just don’t wear, and made some space for new pieces. I have found right away that since I decluttered my jewelry, I’m now wearing pieces that I wasn’t wearing before, and I’m happy about that. There is less to choose from so it simplifies decision making when pulling a look together from my wardrobe. 

I shared the various pieces I let go of and put a video together (see above) to share what I removed so you can learn about my thoughts in the process. I hope it inspires you to do some decluttering too! 

It feels good to let things go that are no longer needed, that are worn out, or simply what I’ve outgrown; it helps me recognize how I’ve changed and what I still love and why. In a way it’s like shedding an old skin and fully embracing the “new” me. It’s a Fresh Start. Like a New Cycle of what belongs to me and why I choose to keep it in my space. I will keep an eye on what I could let go of in the future, being mindful of how my belongings make me feel. Because I do trust myself and will know when it’s time. And that’s a good feeling! 

Journaling Prompt: 
What do you feel Iike you need to “shed” right now? What items in your wardrobe are you hanging onto that no longer suit your style? Do you have collections that have been piling up and need paring down? Record your thoughts on decluttering and brainstorm where you would like to start. Keep it simple and easy and reward yourself for any progress you make. 

​I wish you the BEST of Beginnings! 

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! I’m so glad you’re here and have an interest in what I share here at Refresh with Dawn Herring: Where Beginnings are Celebrated! It’s so much fun to celebrate together, isn’t it? 

For this post, I will be sharing my thoughts and creative process for the Illustration, To Begin Anew which you can see in the above image. In addition, above you will find the actual demo video you can watch if you would like a peek into the actual making of the illustration. (In it I include an explanation of what I’m doing, plus background music, a piano rendition of my spiritual song,  My Way Home.) 

I had so much fun thinking about the concept for this illustration. 
First was the element of Celebration, thus I determined the figure would have her hands raised in joy and happiness at Beginning Anew! Her eyes are raised in gratitude and anticipation for the inspiration she is ready to receive as she Begins Anew. 

Second was the element of New Growth, thus I chose the motif of leaves, vibrant in color, which continues the motif chosen for my Beginnings Illustration which you can view here. I loved including varying hues of green which represent newness, growth, vibrancy and life! 

Thirdly, there is the element of Trust; that To Begin Anew requires faith, not only in receiving what is necessary to make something happen, but faith in ourselves, that we have what it takes to bring it to pass. It’s believing in our skill set, in our intuitive knowing, in the magic that is within us to create! That is certainly worth celebrating! Yes! 

And lastly, there is the element of the Heart (thus the heart motif), where what we believe and see and desire to do comes from our hearts, and there is a pureness in our desire as creators in this life to make what only we can make. We love what we do and we want to share it with others so they can benefit as well. I think that’s such an important aspect in creating. There is a time for creating just for ourselves, but there can also be an aspect of joy when we share with others and they respond in a way that delights us. Community can be so important, especially when we might need a little boost in confidence when we’re in the muddy middle! 

I had so much fun creating this illustration, To Begin Anew, and I am glad to share it with you. My intuition is often my guide when it comes to the design elements I choose, the color schemes, as well as the energy with which I create that I bring to the table. 

Thanks so much for your interest in my art; it is a delight for me to share it with you, my friend! 

A Journaling prompt for you: 
What are you celebrating today? What do you want to celebrate but haven’t yet? Remember, even the smallest of things you accomplish are worth celebrating. Write a list of ways you can celebrate just with yourself as well as with others who support you and get your vibe! 
Where are you experiencing New growth? Are you excited about what you are experiencing? What is the dominant emotion and why do you feel this way? Detail it in your journal. List off ways you can encourage further growth from where you are right now. Do you Trust yourself to follow through on this new growth? What is your intuition telling you to do next? Your desires matter; give them space to get seeded and grow! 
I celebrate with you! 

And I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 

Welcome back to Beginnings, Where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity. In this post, I will be sharing about some New Music I’ve written and composed for the piano. I will share lyrics, my reflections on the meaning behind the song, as well as journaling prompts for further reflection to take with you. 

I wrote the spiritual song, The Eternal Now, last year (2021), when I had a lot of questions about the future. There was so much changing on the home front and I was looking for answers. My first place to look is always through prayer, but sometimes the practical side of life seems to require an external source. And when it doesn’t come right away, or there are too many options concerning the subject matter, it can sometimes be overwhelming. 

In recent years I have come to understand that much frustration and angst can result from looking to the future to the point of struggle rather than being in the Now. I found that the more I spent time just focusing on what I could do in the Moment, the more peace I felt. 

Another issue I was addressing was Trust in the Divine; and when I choose that Trust, it brings  even more Peace. 

So my spiritual song, The Eternal Now, was my way of expressing this understand that Now is all there is and all that matters in the moment. And in that Now Space, Wisdom resides, bringing clarity and direction and that inner knowing, a powerful place of Intuition we have all been gifted with. 

And when I experience this energy within myself, I no longer look outside of myself but within, where Divinity lives and moves and blesses me with Presence. 

I have offered the lyrics to The Eternal Now below. I hope it lifts and inspires you! 

I look to Now
For the Answers
As my questions turn to dust

I look to peace
in the place
that requires I must

I see the space 
that is open
Timeless and True

I rejoice 
In the knowing
That comes from you

From within
I am certain
From within
I know

That you are here
And I am with you

I rejoice
In the Eternal Now


Journaling prompt: 
Is there a situation in your life where you feel like you need external answers to your questions? 
Do you find yourself looking to the future and wonder if NOW is where you will find peace?  Detail this situation in your journal and list off ways you can become more present from moment to moment. As you implement these ideas, record any change you experience in contrast to any struggle you’ve had with looking externally. Also detail if an answer came when you least expected it as a result of your presence in the Now. 

Note: Music (both video and lyrics) are Copyrighted to Dawn Herring, 2022 

Welcome back to Beginnings, Where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! Yes! 

For this blog post, I wanted to share with you how I determined the design for my Beginnings Illustration (which you can see above). I was excited to consider how best I could represent the Idea of Beginnings as the new theme for my website and blog, as well as show the topics that are closest to my heart that I love to share with my friends which include Art, Illustration, Music and Journaling. 

The initial idea was to use new leaf growth as a motif, the freshness of the start of what could potentially become a full grown beautiful plant benefiting the caretaker of such a delight. Then I considered how I present them, on their own as well as in pots with soil. 

The leaf motif is full of vibrant color, that new yellow green that happens to be one of my favorites! I find this color so inspiring and I’m very attracted to it, whether it’s a plant or tree with the sun shining upon the leaves, really enhancing the beauty of such life. 

It also represents to me possibility: we can really use our imaginations of where this new growth can go. What does that represent to me as an artist, an aspiring musician, and journal keeper? 

It also represents to me new cycles. Each new plant begins as a seed and then this fresh new life reveals itself as it pokes through the soil, as if saying, celebrate with me! It encourages me as I make my way into a new project, new song, new art, new love, new discoveries, new curiosities! 

It all takes action, persistence, devotion, decisiveness and even confidence and courage! Yes! 

The figure holds in her hand this newness and is ready to see what it will grow into. She is optimistic and ready to move step by step into what this moment holds. 

And I think that’s the key to Starting Anew, to Beginnings in themselves. 
Instead of looking too far ahead, we can stay in this Present Moment and relish this New Start, this New Season, this New Cycle and what it may contain. One step is all it takes. 

One note is the start of a new melody. One pencil mark is the start of a new illustration. One word is the start of a new journal entry. One seed is the start to a new garden. One tap of a key on the typewriter or keyboard is the start of a new story. 

It all starts with that first step. And an idea or a concept or a plan…

So what are you starting today? Every thing you do each day is a new start. Think of all the Fresh possibilities that await you! Or maybe just think about one. And focus on that next step, putting your whole heart into it. Fully present, ready to take on what’s next. 

Feel the excitement, the pleasure, the satisfying sensation of moving forward. 
And if you feel a little unsure, that’s ok too. Step into that Courage that is available in your heart and go for it anyway. Your intuition will guide you. 

Hold the possibilities in your hand and smile. 
Because this is just the Beginning! 

(and I’m Cheering You on!) 
Here’s to beginning anew! 

Hello and welcome to my new blog, Beginnings! I'm so excited to be sharing with you what inspires me, my latest ventures into music, art and all of its facets, as well as anything that I believe will be of value to you in your creative journey. 

As an empty nester, I have entered a New Cycle in my life, where I'm following my curiosity and exploring new vistas in my creative life, and I'm excited to share that with you! 

So, Fresh Starts and Fun Avenues are in store. 

I plan to share more art demo videos, more music that I compose for the piano that comes from my Connection with Spirit, and more insights into my creative practice and life. My aim is to inspire you with your own creativity. Perhaps what I share will give you some new ideas to run with that suit you at this time in your life, wherever that may be. 

I know that I love being inspired myself. I love looking at good art, fun illustration, great design, vibrant color, and listening to music that gives me something to ponder or reflect on, sometimes in my journal. 

So, where are you beginning? Are you looking to express yourself in some way and feel like you just can't find the time? 
Are you starting a new venture and are looking for encouragement along the way? 
Perhaps you now have an empty nest like me, and want to explore new avenues that you've put off until now? 

Well, traveling and journeying together on this creative path just makes it more fun, doesn't it? I know I love creating after I've engaged with other creatives, or watched some inspiring art videos, or listened to some music that makes me want to go play my piano! 

I'm here to Celebrate with you; your beginnings are important. Whatever life cycle you are presiding in, let's share the ins and outs and the in between. 

And remember, there are no mistakes, Just valuable learning along the way. 
Each sentence you write, each mark you make on the canvas or paper, each pot you throw, each dance you choreograph, each song you compose, each meal you cook, each vegetable you grow are all new Beginnings. And I would love to hear about them! 

I'll share with you and you are welcome to share with me. 
Because Beginnings are Worth Celebrating! 

Here's to Beginning anew! 

Be refreshed,
Dawn 
Your Friend and Creative