About Tracey:

I’m a spirited creative at heart. I enjoy painting, writing, photo-taking, sewing, acting, traveling, and learning new skills. I’m inspired by bright colors and meaningful words, big trees and the full moon, swing sets and hula hoops, ocean waves crashing in and tap shoes clinking on a tile floor, my daughters’ sweet affection and quiet wisdom, and deep connections with lovely people. I’ve been treading along this unbridled path of creativity for more than thirteen years.

My mission is to offer inspirational art, products, and teachings. I wish to share what I’ve learned from my challenges/opportunities as a creative, mother, and woman, so that others may go on to manifest and/or exceed their dreams. I believe our collective purpose is to serve and uplift one another. Sometimes that requires us to release or heal whatever gets in the way of us granting the world our inherent or developed gifts of love, hope, and kindness.

Perhaps like you, for years, I took the advice of my fear and doubt. I limited my pursuits and sabotaged my success because I was afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid of disappointment. Afraid of claiming who I was and what I believed. Afraid of not belonging or being accepted for my true self. At one time, many of my close friends and family members didn’t even know that I’m an artist or that I had a website because I was so unsure of myself. Even though I had sold a number of paintings from commission work and my originals, at art festivals, online, or word-or-mouth and received wonderful responses, my focus was on what wasn’t happening and what I hadn’t accomplished. To say the least, I felt majorly disillusioned.

I pretty much gave up for a while. I stopped painting. I neglected my website. Dust collected in my studio. Every time I walked by the stacks of unopened canvases, my heart ached. And let’s be honest, I wasn’t always exactly a joy to be around. I don’t mind telling you, at one point, I was literally on the floor in a fetal position, squalling in my state of confusion and lack of direction. Profoundly conflicted by the dream of who I wanted to be and the person I was, something had to give. Do you know the feeling?

During a long weekend away with my sweetheart, I declared the intention to gain clarity, whatever it may be—artistic endeavors or not, to live a life of higher purpose or forget it altogether. I came to realize that my despair wasn’t caused by the things I hadn’t published or sold. It had nothing to do with money, recognition, or praise. It was bigger than that. Much bigger. My higher self knew that I was playing safe. I hadn’t given my all (not even close) and I wasn’t living wholeheartedly, believing in myself, or trusting in life’s unlimited possibilities.

I simply needed to decide what I truly wanted, commit to it, and move in that direction. Within a month of our trip, my passion returned, fiercer than ever. So much so, I believe that if I hadn’t set aside time to create, I would have been a danger to those around me. Since then, life just keeps getting better and I’m filled with gratitude for every second of it!

Are you a big dreamer but have difficulty setting objective goals to make those dreams come true? Are you hoping things will get better but don’t know the first step to take? Are you unclear about your life’s direction and want help? Sign up for my free video and worksheet. We’ll reflect on 2011, the ups and downs and in-betweens, and I’ll guide you in setting goals for 2012. Plus, you’ll receive a free subscription to my weekly inspirational messages, Salmagundi Sunday. Sign up today!

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Here are a few facts about the silly and serious sides of me:

1. I still own (and listen to) all of the Duran Duran albums from my childhood.
2. I’ve written two screenplays and two novels for both the pleasure and the healing effects.
3. In the 5th grade, I choreographed a dance routine to Kool and the Gang’s “Fresh.”
4. My sweetheart and I met at a community theater. We were both leads in the play Rebel Without a Cause and went on to receive the best actor/actress awards.
5. I make up little ditties and sing them to our dachshund, Ruby. The latest one was a re-created piece from Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana.”
6. I’ve recited my poetry at an open mic-night in a groovy coffee shop, a community leadership ceremony, and my grandmother’s funeral.
7. When I was fourteen, I chose my first daughter’s name based on Elisabeth Shue’s character in the movie Cocktail.
8. I can’t curl my tongue.
9. I like my belly button.
10. The rooms in our home are painted eggplant, lavender, magenta, lime green, tomato red, soft yellow, dark gray, and a rich cream. The front door is teal blue.
11. For many years as a child, I carried a tape recorder around and recorded myself with friends and family, talking or singing or playing Super Mario Brothers. (The evidence may or may not currently remain in my hope chest.)
12. I didn’t like the taste or smell of coffee until about eight years ago. Now, I require 1-2 cups of java a day.
13. The thought of Gino’s deep dish cheese pizza makes me salivate.
14. I’ve worked as an Occupational Therapist in various settings (except pediatrics) since 1997.
15. Chocolate is my vice and I have no guilt or shame or remorse about it.
16. I have an uncle who nicknamed me Spanky after the Little Rascals’ character because I was such a chubby baby.
17. I don’t believe in coincidences.
18. I do believe there is magnificent power in kindness, humility, and vulnerability.
19. My tattoo is a heart with an inner lock and a skeleton key dangling next to it.
20. I didn’t have my ears pierced until I was in my late twenties.
21. I have mad skills at Friends trivia.
22. The smell of cinnamon makes me happy. I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon in my coffee sometimes too.
23. I’ve experienced episodes of depression, anxiety, and obsessive/compulsion and I consider myself stronger, better-equipped, and more human because of it.
24. When all else fails, I use my Magic 8 ball.

Cheerfully,
Tracey