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 other people’s negative energy and turning it into anxiety or anger.  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…)

Buy the Satori (Awakening) Print

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…)

Lloyd Lemons, a microBusiness advisor, writer, copywriter, marketing consultant (and much more!), posted an article on his blog called Soniei, an artist and a MicroBusiness?. The article touches on my experience and challenges of merging my passion for art with business and marketing. (more…)

I want to thank Michael McCrea, from sohohelpdesk.net, for writing such a lovely blog post about me and my roommate, Peter. It’s so sweet!

If you want to get an idea of what I was doing before all this Soniei’s Contemporary Art business, and where I met my friend Peter over 5 years ago (CDI), you must read this blog post called “Soniei’s Contemporary Art and Information Technology“.

Michael, you’re the best! I do miss the days when we used to hang out at CDI* College!

PS. For those who have bought my art for the past few years, you might be surprised that I used to be an Oracle Developer (relational database management system… say what?).

PPS. For all of you out there… if you can’t pronounce ‘Soniei’, you can always call me Melissa. Or Jimmy, or sexy nerd girl, or whatever you prefer.

*CDI College of Business & Technology, where the IT peeps chillax yo.

Many thanks to Peter Cyr who busted his behind the past week* to work on my new website for free! Jaw dropping talent!

Mr. Cyr, I still can’t believe how generous you are! Thank you so much for believing in me and my dream!!

Oh, and thank you for helping me out every way that you can. Seriously… MERCI!!!! My goal in life is to someday become your sugar-mamma.

Also, a big thank you to my parents. How many times did I call to say, “Moooooom, Daaaaaad” and they said, “How much do you need?” My financials haven’t been the greatest in the past year (do I really have to mention the economy?) and they never once told me to quit being an artist when my business went from bad to badder to badderer to badderest. I’ll pay you back every penny, and more, someday. I’ll be your sugar-daughter.

And Delia Comeau, she’s the reason I’m not naked. Seriously, everyone should thank her for this!! I’m on a super strict budget and she gives me awesome hand-me-down clothes. Also, thank you for understanding that I never have the time or money to go out but you keep being my friend. Hopefully, someday I get to be your sugar-friend.

You guys are the best and I love you all very much!!!

Also, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of those who have bid on my paintings on ebay in the past!! You keep my dream alive and strong!

*2 full weekends included… plus working a full time job!

I’m going to be very honest… pride aside.

Times are very slow, the economy is ROUGH, and now I understand the meaning of starving artist.  I’m so touched by all the people who STILL believe in me and support me as an artist!!! I only wish the student loan people would support me just as much. lol

For all those affected by the economy just as I am, stay strong!!! Let’s hope that things will look up sooner than later!! (more…)

What is Zen? What is Sho? (Put VERY simply!)
Zen is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment and emphasizes meditation, acceptance of the present moment, letting go of judgmental thinking, etc.
Sho means calligraphy and is an art based on writing.

Zen Brushwork
Zen Brushwork, a type of calligraphy, differs from other calligraphic disciplines because it focuses on achieving mu-shin (no-mind) through meditation. It is the practice and belief that true creativity is not the product of a conscious effort but develops from mu-shin, a state beyond thought, emotions and expectations. For those who are captivated with art, Zen Brushwork can be seen as a form of true artistic expression.

Demanding the highest level of spirituality, the ability to make one’s strength visible in Zen Brushwork comes only through dedicated practice. In contrast to other calligraphic disciplines, which use Chinese characters as a basis, Zen Brushwork is the expression of Zen through a brush, whether the end result is a single stroke, a circle or a painting. Using the principles of Zen, this art form represents the relationship between the mind, body and universe. (more…)

I’ve been a personal care worker, a tourist guide, an ESL teacher, a research assistant, a computer programmer, etc. etc. etc. I’ve had so many diverse jobs. Although some jobs were very fulfilling in the ‘help your community’ kind of way, I was always waiting and craving time off. Weekends never came fast enough, and Mondays came too soon. I was trying to be grateful for all that I had in my life, but if I took one hard look at myself I knew I was miserable.

I remember saying to myself several years ago, “If this is what working is all about, I can’t wait to retire”. (more…)