Hello and welcome back to Beginnings. Today I'm sharing another Walk & Chat with Dawn video where I share strategy for getting a creative breakthrough when brainstorming. I give an example of my own experience with struggle and frustration and but worked for me in the end. 

Journaling Prompt:
Is there a project or something new you're trying to figure out? Are you meeting with frustration? 
Have you given yourself space to let it flow? List off ways you can give yourself a break. And Trust the Process. 

Welcome back to Beginnings! This week, I am choosing to share the more Vulnerable Side of my Illustration Practice for my Illustration Pic of the Week. 
The title of this one is Confusion, and it illustrates how we can sometimes put ourselves in a box of societal expectation with a topic that is very personal. And when we allow that to determine the decisions we make, it can create an incongruence that doesn't align with what our heart is telling us. 

This happened to me recently and it created an unexpected heaviness that was hard to shake; but once I recognized the box I had put myself in, I was able to relieve myself of the Confusion it caused. Confusion has an energy that can be unnerving, undermining your confidence, especially when making decisions, whether small or large. 

When we recognize that the elements that create an incongruency are not coming from within but from without, we can get really honest with ourselves about why we are allowing these elements to have such a direct impact on how we feel. Letting go of those societal expectations and instead, embracing what our own hearts are telling us is an act of courage, but it also affirms who we are on the inside. And that is necessary for moving forward with confidence. 

May we stay aligned with what our hearts speak, knowing it's the Best path for Beginnings. 

Journaling Prompt: 
Describe a time when you struggled with making a decision based on other's opinions. How did that make you feel? What one step of courage did you take to align with what your heart was telling you? Affirm yourself with an empowering heart message of support and love going forward. 

Thank you so much for being a part of my creative and spiritual journey with me; you motivate me to continue to share snippets of my life with you which is an essential part of our community here at Refresh with Dawn Herring: Where Beginnings Are Celebrated! And I celebrate with you as you follow your heart! 

(And what a perfect way to end February on this Leap Day of 2024!) 

I wish you the Very Best of Beginnings!

Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings! For this post, I will be sharing my Illustration Pic of the Week that is titled, CONCLUDE. I chose this illustration out of the 7 I created from the week since this one features something that I was sad to see go after watching, sort of like a good novel that comes to an end…(Thus the hands over the heart.)

I enjoy watching shows on Prime Video and one that I chose was outside of my usual fare but I found it an intriguing storyline. The series was called Being Human, the American version starring Sam Witwer in one of the leading roles, playing Aiden the Vampire, with the other two roles of Josh as the Werewolf and Sally as the Ghost. 

I’m not one for blood and guts by any stretch, but the overall series really captured the essence of their desire to be better and focus more on their “human” side rather than the “monsters” they knew they were. This series went on for 4 seasons, and many conclusions were surprising but very well done. (I won’t share any spoilers in case you haven’t seen it and want to!)

I especially appreciated the skill set of acting with Sam Witwer’s character; much of his anguish over ones he loses over time are seriously on point, so much so, I could feel it myself. I think it is interesting as the timing of my viewing, especially in the last few weeks, coinciding with the passing of my mom on January 15. Seeing how others, even if in an acting context, dealt with grief, was comforting to me in a sense. Life does keep going; as Mom used to say, Time Stands Still for No One. 

You just keep going, yet learning from each loss and what it shows you about yourself. And allowing others to be there for you when you need it most. And that can sometimes be hard to do, especially when you’re dealing with personal loss that goes deep and wide. 

The character Aiden really taught me that. That’s why I felt inspired to do a sketch of the actor in the garments common to what he wore in the series. 

For this pencil sketch, I used a 6B pencil, which has a heavier lead, in comparison to a #2 pencil. When I created this sketch, I used the Shape and Shadow method rather than contour (line) drawing. I started with lightly laying down structure, light shading to give it form based on shape and shadow of the facial parts starting with the brow line and nose and mouth. I did not choose to erase any forms of shape and shadow but rather just adjusting as I went. I plan to do more in the future; this is just the first one. I feel I captured what I intended with the result. I do not see this as final art; just a sketch. I learn something with every sketch I do; it informs me for the next time. 

Journaling Prompt: 
​Detail a show you have watched that left a lasting impression, feeling a loss when it was concluded, Iike finishing a novel. What did that show teach you? Who was your favorite character and why? Who do you most identify with and what does that show you about yourself? 

Thanks so much for checking out my Illustration Pic of the Week; I enjoy sharing my art journey with you! 
​And I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 

Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. And this is my first blog post for the New Year of 2024, and I'm excited to bring you my first completed art journal spread, which I have titled: Falling Apart in Order to Bloom. I did the majority of this spread in 2023, starting back in July, when I was in the throws of grieving my father's passing in January (1/8/23 will be a year). 

Now, what does that mean exactly? As of this writing, (1/5/24), I'm still contemplating. But in reflection, I think it speaks to the "falling apart," or breaking down phase when you are reckoning with a life changing event that correlates with some very deep rooted parts of your life experience that are foundational to who you are. And my father's passing certainly contributed to that experience. Somewhat of a metamorphosis, which entails a breaking in order to re-build and bloom. And this takes courage! And discernment of how to get from the beginning of this process to the beauty of transformation. 

So here is my art journal tool and supply list used in this spread: 
India ink
Gouache paint
oil pastel
water soluble pastel 
colored pencil, both water soluble and non water soluble
fabric in various prints
buttons
sequins
leaf stamps in various types and sizes
letter stamps
gel medium
matte medium 
magazine clippings 

Journaling Prompt:
Have you experienced a "falling apart" in order to bloom in a new place? What was that like for you? What did you learn from it? What new undrstanding do you have of yourself now that you didn't have before as a result? How did you take care of yourself in the process? 

Thank you so much for being a part of my journey as artist and creative. 
Your presence is greatly appreciated. <3 

​I wish you the Happiest of New Years in 2024 and 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 will be sharing with you some Music I’ve released, including lyrics and my reflections on what the song means to me, as well as some journaling prompts for further reflection. 

I always get excited when I’m ready to release new music so I can share my joy with you, with the intention and hope of your spirit being lifted in some meaningful way as we traverse this world at the same time in history. 

The new song I’ve recorded is titled, I Believe. 

I wrote this song several years ago (I’m not exactly certain when, but it was within the past 4 years since I’ve been writing music for about 5 years, just to give you an idea.) I’ve had this song in my piano book for a long time, but recently it has really been speaking to me, and I’ve been playing it with a new cadence that is deeply meditative, with a supplications vibe toward Spirit, and for me, it is a deeply empowering message. 

Here are the lyrics below: 
I Believe 
by Dawn Herring

HIDE ME
SHELTER ME
KEEP ME SAFE
I BELIEVE

LOVE ME
PROTECT ME
I BELIEVE
I AM SET FREE

IT IS ALL 
DONE FOR ME
I BELIEVE
I CAN SEE

WHEN YOU SEE 
THE TRUTH IN ME
YOU WILL BE 
TRULY FREE

(Words and music copyrighted to Dawn Herring 2023)

When I wrote this song, it was in response to my scripture study and prayers in connection to my song writing, which is a natural outpouring of what Spirit speaks to me in the moment. 

In the process of writing the words, stanza by stanza, I sensed a supplicating essence that I could feel within myself. My desire to feel safe, secure, loved and heard was deeply resonant. And as I made my requests, I could feel my faith rising up, knowing I was heard and was not alone. Then a deep realization of what I actually truly have in Spirit came upon me, I felt more awake to what was alive inside. 

Then, in response to my faith and supplication, I sensed a reply and directive coming from a deeply loving essence of Spirit that shared the importance of vision, clarity and truth and how Waking UP to this reality brings Freedom. Yes! What a victorious response that lifts my spirit, bringing me hope that I AM FREE. 

In this world filled with so much uncertainty, we all feel the need to be protected and loved; we need that assurance that we will be ok. That we are not alone. That we can see. And with what we can see, we are Free. Free to be Who We Are. Not bound by societal standards but only the boundaries we set for ourselves, for protection and care. 

Spirit is there for us when we need Spirit most, during those moments of the deepest fears, doubts, insecurities, overwhelm, and uncertainty. 

As we reach out for what we need, as we seek, we will find. 
And when we seek together, we can support each other through the toughest of times. 
And experience freedom in community! 
Sounds like the Best of Beginnings to me! How about you? 

Below I provide some journaling prompts for further reflection. I trust they will help bring clarity, focus and freedom to your life in this moment. ❤️

JOURNALING PROMPT: 
Make a list of the times when you have felt most free, whether in childhood or whatever time comes to mind naturally. What is the common thread that you can see on this list? People? Places? Activities? Pick one from the list and detail it as much as possible, reliving that sense of freedom you felt. 
Do you feel that way now? What has changed or what is different? 

When have you felt the most protected? Was there someone who came to your aid, such as a good friend or mentor or a family member who really gets you? 

List times when you felt the most heard. What was the conversation about? Who was listening? How did this impact and change you for the better? 

What is your truth right now? What can you come back to again and again that grounds and centers you no matter what you’re facing? 
Write this down on an index card and keep it in a place where you can be reminded of this central truth. ❤️?

Disclaimer: journaling prompts are to be used at your own risk. If you feel overwhelmed or emotionally distressed, please seek out a counselor or therapist or call 911. 

Hello and welcome back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity. 
Well, I have a treat for you today! Below I share a story of the furry variety and what we can learn even from the beloved animals among us.

Since coming to a new neighborhood in recent months, we have had the pleasure of making acquaintance with the furry felines that stray about the ‘hood. And it didn’t take long for that to happen. No. As soon as we made our first appearance, so did they. It’s like they owned the place…and I suppose they really believe they do! Ha! 

Well, I decided that I just had to share this experience with you, my dear friend and reader! Why keep the delight to myself, right? 

Now, below I have shared a summary of sorts of each furry feline we have become acquainted with through conversation, observation and of course, tasty meals of the cat variety plus a bit of human delight as well. Let’s just say that when the communal bowls are filled, we like to refer to our place as The Cat’s Meow where we feature the tasty "fast food" of dry bits in the bowl (or two…), plus some gourmet options of the fish, chicken and beef variety that just hits the kitty spot! (It’s so much fun watching them devour the goodies!) 

Due to the nature of the feline stray, it has taken some time to build human-cat trust, so they can be very skittish and run off if we’re not careful. (But they always manage to make their way back…) 

I like to talk gently and ask if they’re hungry and looking for some nibble and assure them it’s alright. We’re just here to make sure they have full bellies! 

Since they do run off, it has been difficult to visually capture them on camera. We’ve managed to get some video here and there and some photos through the window blind, so if the images aren’t the clearest, you now know why! 

I will introduce you to each feline in the order we have come to their acquaintance: 

Ah, Desperado! He immediately appeared when we did. Medium black fur with a spot of white on his chest and with dark yellow eyes. Despi (the nickname I use for him that he answers to!), has the look of always being worse for wear. Why? Well, in a word, cat fights! Yes, he seems to draw them unfortunately. He often has wear spots in his fur from being attacked by other male felines, especially Big Tom who I will introduce below. Plus, Despi is a very assertive cat with his loud persistent meowing for attention, affection and food. (We think he might have once been an inside cat…) Now sometimes he can be a real trouble maker, especially with using the immediate lawn as a litter box instead of being more discreet (and more so than the other cats), and even when we scold him for being less than neat about it, he does it anyway. We think he’s marking his territory concerning the other male cats, but he still gets bullied anyway. He recently has been coming and going, rather than sticking around most of the time like he used to, since he’s trying to avoid more trouble. But he still comes for the nibbles! He was our first buddy. So we have a soft spot for him. 

What we can learn from Despi: Stay in your own lane and don't try to usurp someone else's spot if you can help it! (and be more civil, especially towards those who help take care of you.) 

When we first met Mama Oreo, she was a regular companion to Desperado. Black with white tuxedo and boots, I named her Oreo. She is quite the queenly cat in disposition and attitude. After having seen her and feeding her for several weeks, we were met with quite the surprise: three kittens! She brought them up onto the porch in pile and we were delighted to meet them and feed them as well. (You can see them feeding in the video.) Once we found out she was a female and a Mama, we were determined to give her lots of attention, especially when feeding her little ones. (No petting, just food and conversation in gentle tones.) 

One day she brought up a small rat ? she killed and brought up to the porch to train her little ones. We got to see them pounce and learn how to handle their prey. She disposed of it later herself. 

Her three little ones: 
Prancer is a mini me, looking just like Mama Oreo, and the way she walked around, she looked like she was prancing! 

Vixen and Dancer were both grey and white, Vixen being much rounder in shape, and Dancer being the runt of the litter with a stub of a tail. Whenever Dancer would walk, he appeared to be dancing. Thus his name. 

The little ones are no longer in our vicinity. We hope they went to good homes. 
What we can learn from Mama Oreo: You can be Queen and stately in your approach to life, even if you meet with the unexpected. 

Shadow appeared from no-where one day all by himself which was quite the surprise since he was just a kitten (still is!). But Mama Oreo soon adopted him so he was like part of her litter. She even let him feed on her. Shadow has made our outdoor patios his regular pad. And since Desperado has been getting into so many fight with Big Tom, he has made himself scarce except when he gets hungry. So Shadow has been making himself the dominant Male (or attempting to!) in our space. Of course, Despi won’t hear of it and puts him in his place with bites and even hissing, even though they’ve been buddies for a while. Shadow is a beautiful kitten, all black with pale green eyes. He is the most energetic of the lot, playing hide and seek and peek-a-boo with Precious (see below), and chasing his own tail. Absolutely adorable. Shadow is our buddy! 

What we can learn from Shadow: Seek and you will find. And don't be afraid to assert yourself even if you meet with resistance. Enjoy life to the fullest and have fun! 

The next family of cat includes the Mama Princess, who we had seen before a few times, along with her little one, Precious, who is play buddies with Shadow; they are now regulars at The Cat’s Meow! They look identical to each other, with white and gray coloring, which is so adorable. Sometimes they each come solo and sometimes together. Princess is rather skittish so we have to be very gentle with her and our approach when bringing food. Precious is also skittish but she has a more assertive way about her, less shy than her mom, especially when other cats are around. 

It is so much fun watching Precious and Shadow play together. (You can see on the video!) Pouncing, Peek-a-boo, and chasing. Precious is always curious about what Shadow is up to and often follows him, if at a distance. 

What we can learn from Princess: Even if you're shy or insecure, you can still get what you need with courage. 
What we can learn from Precious: It's fun to make friends and see what they're up to! Seize the moment and don't be afraid to go after what you want. 

Now, Snow White, all white as is obvious, comes from down the street in the other direction. We saw her sitting on the fence two houses down initially. She was not a regular. But in recent weeks (July 2023) she showed up regularly for food as she was VERY PREGNANT. She was so round in the middle, she swayed. So we put food out especially for her during that time. Then once she had her kitties (off site from our space), we continued to feed her until she didn’t come around. (We trust the other neighbor is feeding her). Don’t know if we’ll see her kitties in the neighborhood at some point. 

​What we can learn from Snow White: Don't have all your eggs in one basket. Sometimes you have to look for what you need. 

Ok, Now for BIG TOM. There is only one other cat we’ve seen in the neighborhood who is bigger than Big Tom. He has the widest face, the longest, thickest body, and he is tiger striped with a swirl on the side with white boots. Tom is a handsome cat and he has taken issue with Desperado, who attempts to be the King of the neighborhood and Tom just isn’t having it. So cat fights have ensued. But recently, Despi only comes around for food and then leaves. And whenever he sees Big Tom nearby, his body language goes into high caution, ready for takeoff if necessary! 

Interestingly enough, Shadow has been in the process of taking Despi’s place, so he is attempting to assert himself with Big Tom, who actually puts up with a lot of pushing and shoving as Shadow tries to get him away from the feeding dish! (You can watch on the video!) 

We gotta give it to Shadow for trying to assert himself and only being a kitten! 
What we can learn from Big Tom: Sometimes you have to fight to keep your place and sometimes you give a little, especially with a new comer! 

The final two cats in our Parade are worth mentioning. They’ve been coming around more so of late and we think one might be pregnant and one might have just recently had kittens.

Smokey has been here before when she wasn’t pregnant; gorgeous shiny smoky grey fur with green eyes. Since she’s been back, we’ve noticed her looking heavier, thus suspicions she’ll be Mama Smokey with kitties soon! 

Midnight is a very recent arrival, with inky black fur and yellow eyes. We think she might be nursing kittens due to how dominant her feeding area is underneath. 

They are both cautious but not overtly skittish, probably because they need to eat for the little ones they carry or they are feeding as well. We always try to put out extra nibbles for the ones with littles! We have a soft spot for the Mama cats around here at The Cat’s Meow! 

What we can learn from Smokey: You gotta do what you gotta do! 
​What we can learn from Midnight: You will always find what you're looking for. 

​

We trust you enjoyed our Parade of Cats as we shared with you our experiences with The Cat's Meow and the furry, fun felines we have had the delight with which we aquaint ourselves! I'm not sure how each of our stray kitties would feel if they knew they were the star of the show...Despi would probably want all the attention. Mama Oreo would be attentive but not looking for glory. Shadow would show you how much fun he has! Princess would probably take a back seat but Precious would be too curious not to check it out alongside Shadow. Snow White wouldn't even know about it at all since she's too busy feeding her littles! Big Tom would be cool and busy eating all the food in the bowl and keeping Despi from taking over the show. As for Smokey and Midnight, they'd be too occupied getting what they need in the moment. 

Thanks for reading our fun feline story and have yourself a Furry Nice Day! 

Journaling Prompt: 
Of all the Cats featured here, which one do you identify the most with and why? Which lesson (what we can learn from) resonates most with you and why? If you were a cat, what would be your disposition and what would you look like? Describe this in detail in your journal.