Strong. Fearless.Wise

Taken in Downtown Ft  Co.8.30.12

Sometimes blessings come after the storm

               I took this picture after the rain storm Tuesday. I had one of those gut feelings we were going to be blessed as soon I as I saw that double rainbow. Sure enough, later that day I found out my best friend had gone into labor & later that evening had her baby. Going into labor 3weeks early due to other complications is no easy task. But, the little bundle of joy is quite the blessing!  New life is a incredible gift to hold. I'm so thankful.

My Paintings are on display@ Mugs in Ft Collins

                                    Hey!!!17 of my paintings will be on display from now til end of September. Mugs coffee lounge supports local companies, has beautiful positive environment, amazing coffee, & wonderful food!!!

 Go grab an great cup of coffee and check them out!!!

 306 West Laurel Fort Collins, Co

Mugs Coffee Lounge @ the Oval location

Happiness

Simple

Taken in Ft Collins

Following the light

 "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."-C.S. Lewis     

When things are hard...

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

Cliffs of Moher: In the studio steps of the Painting

I thought I'd share a few steps as I paint a piece :)
 Step 1:Sky

Step 2: Landscape & Shadows

 Step 3: Water....Not Quite finished need to work out some details

 In 2005, I was fortunate enough to see this beautiful place in person! The Cliffs of Moher in Galway  is breath taking and is truly one of my favorite places I've been...Someday I will return:)
Here's the Finished Product!!!

"If you trip in life, make it part of your dance"-unknown

 Lon Hagler Lake trail run

YES!!!

Have you been practicing to be awesome???

The Links Matter

What's holding you back?
              ..Issues may bring you down? Remember it has no control over you. Emotions/sickness/people/work stress can really hang on us. TAKE CONTROL! First acknowledge it is an issue. Do what you can in the moment---develop a plan on how to handle it--->Keep it outside your invisible force field. If you carry it everywhere/talk about it/be angry/fearful/upset-->it cause extra unnecessary stress on your body. Stress causes our bodies to be more susceptible to diseases, allergies,  and illness.
      Sooo... take a breathe in.....and out.....Let it go..... I'm not saying to forget your problems, they'll still be there, but you will no longer carry them throughout the day. You'll notice overall more balance with more focus, be happier, increased energy, and certainly more pleasant to be around :)

    
So get ready to pump those legs & swing higher!
       
       Get ready to be inspired and create more links



Smile.Laugh.Love.Be Inspired. Remember the small links matter.

Positive and negative are directions. Which direction do you choose?

Clear Thinkin’ soup

For those days you just dont feel so good or just need some good soup:)
Noodle free, Meat Free, vegetable pho’

Serves 4

1  quart of Vegetable pho- broth (can use vegetable broth)

2  zucchini chopped

3  cloves of garlic

¼ C  chopped green chili peppers

1  chopped sweet onion (small)

1  pkg bean sprouts (8oz)

1  can of water chestnuts

1  tsp xylitol or agave

1  tbsp of dried lemon basil or 1/3 c fresh basil

2 Tbsp coconut oil

Salt to taste

1/8 tsp turmeric

         Step 1:  Heat coconut oil & Saute chopped onion until fully cooked. Constantly stirring, gradually add garlic, green chili peppers, zucchini, bean sprouts and water chestnuts until saute till mostly cooked.
        Step 2: Add broth, salt, xylitol and lemon basil to sauteed veggies. Lightly stir & simmer for 5-7minutes. Serve and top with optional condiments.

Optional condiments:
Fresh Lime
Hot chili sauce
cinnamon
Sunflower seeds

I've got nothing to do today but smile.” ― Simon and Garfunkel

Love this

Celebrate Mother's day w/ Painting classes!!!

Jump in! Come experience a creative painting class and find your inner artist. Learn some of the basics of acrylic painting and get inspired-while enjoying the company of friends/family. Classes are 2-hour sessions for $45 per painter, includes easy step by step art instruction, all supplies are provided, and you'll have a new masterpiece for your home.
Reserve your spots today call (719) 425-9929 or  email
Perfect way to celebrate Mother's day! Create a lovely memory by taking a class together!

Upcoming May classes:
Held @ Hobby Lobby 3133 North Garfield Avenue  Loveland, CO 80538
    Come Celebrate Mother’s day painting together!!
      Friday, 11th @5:00-7:00pm
      Saturday,12th@5:00-7:00pm
      Friday, 25th @5:00-7:00pm
      Saturday, 26th @5:00-7:00pm
Must reserve in advanced
Reserve your spots today call (719) 425-9929 or  email
Interested in other dates or want to have Private party for any occasion? -Ask for details

What moves you?

Do you ever find yourself in a place of regret?
A place that you look at the stars and try to find where you fit?
Take a breath... I know it's been one of those weeks....
    Stand tall... even though you're small in this universe...
YOU have a purpose!!!

       (my main line I always want to get across) The DETAILS MATTER. The little things matter, and your time MATTERS!!! Time tells everything...YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO PURSUE...... Anything you want ....Walk the world like you are you're your own DOCTOR, PROFESSOR, EXPERT... because you are the only one who knows life like you! You are an EXAMPLE and have the GIFT OF WISDOM of what others haven't gone through. YOU have the POWER to MOVE THE MOUNTAINS others couldn't! I HOPE THAT MAKES YOU SMILE. If you find yourself in a place of weakness SEE IT as  GAINING STRENGTH!!!

Give yourself permission to  gain awareness that:
                                          ...you matter.
                                          ...you have balance,peace, and serenity.
                                          ...everything you do and every step you take in this world has a purpose!



So crash your wave of movement hard and make it meaningful in this world!

Gratitude

Spring is in the air.....
    Take a deep breathe in... focus on all small details in life that make you happy, and thankful....and breathe out... letting go of all problems and stresses you're carrying. Let them go...yes they're still there, acknowledge they're there, but choose to let go of the stress that comes with them and leave them outside your bubble. Breathe in....remembering the last time you smiled... and how that felt,  maybe: being shown kindness from a stranger, a little kid telling you a story, a older couple still in love..and telling the story of how they found each other, watching a breath taking sunset, someone complementing you, a priceless conversation with a friend, getting real letter from a loved one, blowing bubbles in your cubicle, seeing the most perfect flower, hearing the words "I love you", someone giving you a real hug, hearing a sincere "thank you" at work, laughing for no reason, hearing a song that moves you,etc. ....soak in that same feeling...smile...Choose to be thankful for the those happy times.
 Emotions are contagious, they have huge impact our health  and people we surround ourselves with... be the one guilty of spreading happiness today.
 
Recently I got thinking of ways to live happier... we all have challenging moments of feeling down and things don't go our way, it's part of the journey in life(highs&lows). Choose to no longer accept those defeating feelings. With all the pressure we have (relationships, Health,Time, Money, Work) in this life we sometimes forget to take the time to enjoy the small beauty's and show others we care. Use your time wisely by choosing, thinking, doing things that add and multiply to our happiness in life. GET RICH in HAPPINESS by choosing to think positive and be aware of what makes life great.
Take time to write down 5 things that have made you smile and have them when you need to be reminded to smile.
      Have a lovely day!!

Pearls of Wisdom

Life is truly an endless spiral of mystery... 

Going up and down... 

Not every fish friend is going the same direction... Sometimes we have to fight the current or surf the wave... Each of us has a purpose for the direction we go... Challenges come in waves... 

Often leaving pearls of wisdom to someday pass on...

Every struggle has a purpose! 

You have the strength to pursue anything!

Believe it.

Pop up gallery Event!!

I'll be showing my paintings in the Gallery at 213 E. 4th Street, downtown Loveland (01-13-12 only)! Doors open at 11am and stay open till 9pm.Featuring local artists....The gallery has a broadened and informed perspective; offering diverse and rigorously curated artwork in varied media and styles ranging from traditional to experimental. Stimulating presentation and community engagement, fostering creativity and artistic excellence!! You're invited!! Feel free to invite friends and family! Hope to see you there! Tifanee Petaja

Mountains in the making

My online Gallery is up :)

Browse through my collection of paintings all of which can be purchased as framed prints, canvas prints, greeting cards, and more. Click the the tab at the top and it will take you there! I hope you all are having a lovely holiday season :)

Paintings by Tifanee Petaja

Hello friends!!! Come downtown!!! I'll being show my paintings (1st time in Co) at this Friday Evening and Saturday @ the Pop up Gallery Holiday Art Show/Sale When: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday It's downtown right near Snow Sculpture in the Dark and Loveland’s monthly art walk. Its going to be an a incredible night on the town. There are lots of other activities on tap for this event including wagon rides with Santa, musical entertainment, ice bowling, a live nativity scene and more. http://www.reporterherald.com/news/downtownloveland/ci_19486034 http://www.engagingloveland.org/events/featured-events/sculpture-in-the-dark