Last December I wrote a blog post called Don’t Lose Your Mind Because of a Bad eBay Buyer.  I used to have a talent for soaking up angry people’s energy and turning it into anxiety.  Of course, I wouldn’t show these feelings to anyone.  I would keep all my feelings pent up inside.

Yeah… I know… such a healthy way of being. (more…)

My entire life, I’ve heard people say to me, “You worry too much.”

So, my journey of being an artist and owning a small business in these economic times comes to no surprise that it can push me over the edge with stress and anxiety.  The biggest fear I’ve had since September 2008 (when the economy collapse was heard all over the world) is, “How am I going to pay my rent?  My bills?  My student loans?”  I went from making $2000-$7000 a month from 2006-2008, to making only $9000 in 2009.  Yup!  $9000 in ONE WHOLE YEAR…  and with that comes the nagging fear of the future. (more…)

Laura Hollick – soul artist, model, dancer, radio personality, writer, owner of the Soul Art Studio, spiritual teacher, featured on the cover of magazines, vibrant soul, inspirational… and so much more!  This is why when she asked to interview me, I was so excited, honored… AND NERVOUS!!! (more…)

The bonsai tree is the perfect representation of how being unique is truly beautiful.  By carefully and patiently crafting yourself to be authentic, you don’t blend into the background.  You grow into an eclectic, inspirational soul.

I love painting bonsai trees because I don’t care too much about ‘fitting in’ or ‘following the crowd’.  This was especially obvious in my high school years.  I was called a freak quite a few times, was constantly made fun of the way I looked and dressed, got my head smashed into a locker (and locked in a locker once) and people had trouble categorizing me into a group or ‘click’.

Even though I felt misunderstood and my heart was aching for a good 6 years, I knew that someday I’d look back and think, “This is ridiculous”.  So, I kept on learning how to be my own person no matter the criticism, the rumors, and the betrayal of friends. (more…)

Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji in the middle of the night, I was on a journey to catch the sunrise from the summit.  The increase in altitude made it hard to catch my breath as I was pushing my aching body to its limits.

I felt grateful for the pain since I knew this hike was more than a physical challenge.  I was challenging my inner strength.  When it came down to it, I was the only person on that mountain that could keep pushing me to take another step, and then another step, until I reached the top.

Challenges

Challenges, big or small, are the perfect training and reminder that you can rely on yourself when the tough gets going.  You are your best coach.  If you think that you’re not a strong individual, than I dare you to prove yourself wrong by getting out of your comfort zone and doing something you’ve always wanted to do.  People are usually much stronger than they think they are. (more…)

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Have you ever had a moment in your life where you’re 210% at peace?  I’m talking about the type of serenity that makes you feel like you’re living in a dream and nothing in this world could bring you down.  This happened to me when I was 11 years old, almost 20 years ago, and this experience has influenced my art ever since.

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I was at the family cabin, which is deep in the woods and about 40 feet from a lake shared by only a couple cabins.  My dad and a few others built this cabin with their own hands and there’s no electricity or anything too luxurious in it.  I always believed that the purpose of this cabin is to get away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and to find tranquility in nature.

That day, the only people around for miles were me and my parents.  Only a few clouds were in the sky and the sunlight was intense.  I remember the breeze saving us from the summer heat.  My mom and dad were happily drinking their tea on the balcony overlooking the lawn and the lake.

I decided that I would go fishing while relaxing on the wharf my dad had built.  On my way to the lake, fishing pole in hand, I clearly remember tiny wild flowers scattered on the lawn.  A few butterflies were fluttering around, like they were welcoming me to paradise.  I took my time walking to my destination.  I wanted to soak in the summer day as much as possible.

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View all of my free Japanese lessons! … or read below to see how really crazy I am.

I hardly have enough time to breathe as is. I work 80-120 hours a week just to make ends meet as a contemporary Japanese artist.* I spend so much time in my art studio that I frequently get emails from my family and friends to see if I’m still alive. Every second of my life is pretty much booked solid and I just decided to start learning Japanese again. Wait… what!?! (more…)