Hi. My name is Willo, and I’m an artist.

Good morning.

I feel like I’m needing LOTS of ‘me’ time these days. Like, an unusual amount, for how much I love being out and about, meeting new people and spending time with my friends.

This is hard when there are SO many things out there I want to do! Amongst my dear friends, here in SF, there always seems to be a few weekly gatherings, celebrating birthdays, engagements, new jobs or funding/acquisitions, housewarmings and the list goes on. I feel incredibly blessed to have such an awesome network of friends here.

However, making space for me, and all that I want to accomplish – no, scratch that… it’s not about doing, or accomplishing, it’s about making space to just BE – can be challenging in the face of all the fun ‘out there.’ I mean, I don’t want to become a hermit that never sees anyone (trust me, that will never happen, as after a few days I get antsy and really excited to see people again), or worse, have people stop inviting me or asking me to go out… but right now, as I recommit to my Self and my art, it’s so incredibly key for me to give myself the time and space. It’s like an unraveling of sorts, and it takes the time to unravel, unravel, unravel and then all of a sudden I hit that flow, like a geyser!

I have been doing this more in the last month, but most notably last weekend, over New Year’s. I feel like I’m facing similar challenges to those who have started AA, where all of a sudden the girl — who was once known as the life of the party, shutting down the bars & totally up for the after party — is now someone that texts the night of and says, “Sorry, staying in after all.” I try to give myself the benefit of the doubt that I’ll feel like going out, but it’s almost as if when I have plans to be somewhere, inspiration hits.

Let the sun shine in.

Even if inspiration hasn’t hit, per say, I often feel like I’m close. Meaning, I’ve finally cleared away the emails, sent all of the emails, made the phone calls, completed time-sensitive tasks for the day and finally have some space for the rest. Which, some days, simply means eating a meal, or doing my 30 days of yoga session, or taking a shower and relaxing by reading a book or writing a blog post (like I’m doing now). Most days “the rest” is actually all the other gazillion things on my list I didn’t do that day (or the day/week/month before) and REALLY want to get to. And I’m excited about getting to them! By doing so, I clear the space. I move forward. I check things off my list one-by-one and get to move on to the next exciting thing moving me closer to my goals. Honestly, sometimes finally getting to the smallest little thing on my list, that I have been wanting to do for months, happens when I’m “supposed” to be at a happy hour or a friend’s birthday. I’m sorry, dear friends!

Even more so in alignment with those in a rehab program (not at all to make light of that situation), I’ve not really felt like drinking or partying these days. And yes, I know I can still go out without drinking, I just haven’t been feeling all that social. I’m percolating. Baking. Incubating. Something. (No, I’m not pregnant.) That said, I also know my tendencies to be a workaholic, so in all of this making space and hermiting in, my true intention is around self-care. To not just work-work-work, but to create space to sit on my couch and read. Or listen to music as I dance around and water the plants and play with my kitty. All the things I’ve often daydreamily wished I could be doing when I’m super stressed and strapped for time. Sounds pretty divine, right?

So, apologies aside, that’s why you haven’t seen me much lately. Funny thing is most probably hadn’t even noticed, because I think it’s harder on me to say no, than it is for all the people out partying it up to notice I’m not around. Maybe not (still miss me and invite me out to do things, ok?), but regardless it’s all good. It’s just right now, and I am really, really enjoying it.

I wish you all clarity, happiness and balance in your lives. <3

Making the space and inviting change in

In addition to yoga (see yesterday’s Be the change you want to see in your life post), a few other things on my list of “if I could do anything” include painting and running. Traveling is of course in there, as if I could do *anything* one of the first things I’d do is set out to travel around & see all of my loved ones all across the globe, with some fabulous adventure in between, no doubt. But the good news is while traveling, I could still do yoga, painting and running! So, right now it’s just about setting the intention and making space for the practice (and habit) to join me in my daily life.

An interesting awareness that I got in writing all of this out — effectively, curious listening — made me realize that all of my stress/escape messages are all about diving within to be with my body and spirit, vs. outward distractions, e.g. partying or fleeing the scene (not that I haven’t done that or dreamed about that at some point, too). This is awesome, because I truly believe we have so much wisdom, strength and creativity within each and every one of us. It can take courage to harness it, but man, it is SO worth the journey.

feel like a kid again

The life you want starts right here. Right now.
In the last month I have been listening, and I have heard over and over, “Wake up, Draw, Paint, Write.” I’ll get into some of the fears and such that have come up a bit later, but for now I’m proud to report that since I’ve made a commitment to listen and act on these dreams, I am doing just that: I am seeking an art studio/office space for drawing/painting/creating!

As most of you know, I’ve been a full time artist for the last 7 years, running two small businesses. I worked out of my home for the first 5 years – which I loved, but was also delighted to have my home be just my home again. Then I was fortunate to have offices downtown in the last 2 years, but they’ve all been very corporate settings. Meaning, not space to paint & get messy.

In this same vein of making space, in June I started doing some major clearing in home: I got rid of my TV (gasp, I know!), which helped clear out an entire piece of furniture, and then some (see my post with photos). Since then, my purging and spring cleaning has barely slowed down: I’ve gotten a new couch, continued to clear out my drawers and closets and have another fun home project in the works.

So as much as I’ve been loving cultivating space in my little home, in advance of not waiting around for the perfect art studio, on New Years Eve I rearranged my living room to make it a temporary office/art studio! I am excited about eventually moving it out to a larger space, with other artists, but for now I’m thrilled about it being here and *ready*. Come on in, creativity, there is space for you here!

New home office/art studio!Mind you, my living room is also going to be my yoga studio for the next 30 days.
It’s a small room
, but I’ve made it feel big, so I think it’s just right for now. :)

Blank Canvas
Another super fun painting adventure I’m embarking upon is this awesome course by my friends — and two of my favorite painters! — Mati Rose and Lisa Congdon, called Get Your Paint On! You can even see one of Mati’s paintings sitting to the right of my monitor in the photo above.

I’m suuuuuper excited for this class, as I really haven’t taken a painting class, ever, I don’t think (how is that possible?). I was daunted at first, but I gotta say, I’ve been doing really good at wrangling my inner critic lately, so now I’m mostly just giddily excited. :)

Wahoooo! This year is going to be awesome.

The Best Mascara: What’s your favorite?

I sent out a tweet today asking my ladyfriends what mascara they use… and I received over 10 different mascara recommendations back! My beautiful girlfriends know their business, too, so I hereby declare this a list of The Top 10 Best Mascaras out there (and then some). I totally want to have a mascara-trying-on party now to try all of these!

L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara, 0.33-Fluid Ounce Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Spoon Brush Washable Mascara 1 ea L’Oreal Telescopic Original Mascara - Black
L’Oreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara
$3.77 – $13.99
@WilloToons (me) This is the one I’ve been using & I like it, but I was curious if there’s something better.
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Spoon Brush
$2.99 – $7.99
@MelodyMcC, @jenniffurr & @mollstar love it. Melody’s said: “It’s the best by far.” Jen said, “Very black, curved brush, waterproof.” and Molly added “totally agree! Cheap and stays on well”
L’Oreal Telescopic Original Mascara
$11.01
@Aubs & @Stephdub’s favorite. Aubs said “most amazing mascara around. NOTHING compares.”
TheBalm Two-Timer Mascara Dior DiorShow Iconic Mascara Loreal Double Extend Lash Extender and Magnifier Mascara, Black Brown # 515 - 1 Ea
TheBalm Two-Timer Mascara
$17.09 – $20.00
@u_m Carla’s favorite: “I’m a fan.” (and similar to the one I’ve been using)
Dior DiorShow Iconic Mascara
$14.99 – $27.00
@TheRealLG & @Erika’s favorite (Erika gets DiorShow). Laura said, “Bar none.” and Erika said, “all the way!”
Loreal Double Extend Lash Extender and Magnifier Mascara
$5.99
@msh Morgan’s favorite (I used to use this one for years, too!)
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Custom Curved Brush, 0.28-Fluid Ounce Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Brownish Black. Pack of 2 LANCOME Definicils High Definition LANCOME Definicils High Definition Mascara 01 Noir Infini, 0.23oz, 6.5g
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Custom Curved Brush
$5.04 – $8.07
@beccafrog Rebecca’s favorite: “Love it. Used it for years.”
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Brownish Black
$3.68
@LauraGlu Laura’s favorite: “People use something else?”
LANCOME Definicils High Definition
$24.12
@concretecatwalk Jessie’s current favorite: “…I’m obsessed!”
Fresh Magic Wands Mini Mascara Duo Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara Almay Intense i-Color Mascara, Bring Out the Blue, Blue Sapphire 002
Fresh Magic Wands Mini Mascara Duo
$10.00
@candycat Rachael’s favorite: “Picked this up recently & love it!”
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara
$19.00
@KellyRand Kelly’s favorite: “This stuff is amazing.”
Almay Intense i-Color Mascara, Bring Out the Blue
$5.00 – $9.95
@Timoni & her blue eyes “tried over 40 mascaras searching for one that would handle [her] bike commute.” This one’s the winner! Look up your color on the Almay website.


Do you passionately agree with one of the favorites above? Let us know in the comments!

Did we miss your favorite mascara? Search for your brand here & then paste the link in along with your comment. Inquiring minds want to know.

UPDATE: What about eco-conscious & chemical free? I thought about this a lot as I was doing this post. And while it’s not a pretty admission, I’m well aware that:

  • My desire for long, lush lashes has primarily been fueled by the magazines and TV.
  • The chemicals in the majority of these brands are very dangerous and even worse, cancer causing. Yipes. How far we’ll go for beauty, huh? :(

So I would be remiss not to spread some awareness in this post, and I much appreciate my friend Jennifer for providing me with two great natural mascara options. And because I am so thrilled about the idea of a more chemical-free mascara, I am going to buy & try one of her recommendations first. I hope you’ll all consider doing the same!

Natural, chemical-free and SAFE Mascara – it’s out there!

Korres Abyssinia Oil Volumizing Mascara Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes!
Korres Abyssinia Oil
Volumizing Mascara

$20.00
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes!
$12.95 – $19.00

These two are chemical free! YES! Thanks to Jennifer wrote: “Everything on your list has parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan, etc., etc. Try [the mascaras above]. Healthier, and work better than any “regular” mascara I’ve ever used!”

For your further enlightenment on the subject, please watch The Story of Cosmetics, one in a series around the Story of Stuff in our lives not as safe as we’ve been led to believe:

Thanks again, Jen! It’s so easy to get sucked into the beauty-at-all-costs routine when living in a world where it’s on sale for $3.99 and promises us the look of runway supermodels. A fabulous reminder of how important it is to think of our earth and our health first and foremost. Awareness is where it all begins!

Be the change you want to see in your life

I’ve done yoga off & on for years, but even in the [full] years that I haven’t maintained a practice, I consistently heard myself listing yoga in my “if I could do anything at all” daydreams. Wanting to dive back into it more this year, only led to me realizing how challenging it proved to be to make time to put on (presentable) clothes, get in the car, drive over to a yoga studio, hope I find parking and shell out the $10-$15 per class. In summary: My diving back into it wasn’t working so well.

Cultivating a home practice
When I saw Marianne Elliott’s 30 Days of Yoga I was intrigued. I first signed up for her newsletter, which provided a download to a 10-minute intro video, so I could get a sense for her voice, the video quality, her teaching style, and just what it would be like to do yoga in my home, with just my laptop. And then I read her shame-free yoga post, along with a few others, and was like, OK, I’m doing this. :)

The more I’ve thought about it the last few weeks, cultivating a home practice is so apt to what yoga truly means to me: It’s about connecting with my body, my Self and Spirit. So, inviting this daily flow and cultivating the connection to my Self, within my home… it just all makes sense.

create quiet timedownload as desktop wallpaper (1024 x 683)

Going back to that whimsical “if I could do anything at all” thought process I mentioned, that’s something I’ve really been looking at a lot in this last year. You know when you’re stressed – maybe at your job, or feeling like you’re getting run over by your own business, with a gazillion things to do – and you start dreaming about the “If onlys”? Well, I found myself doing this earlier in the year, and I made a commitment to myself that I would LISTEN to what those dreams were, and start integrating them into my daily life.

When it comes down to it, we’re so spoiled. I mean, maybe you’re not, but chances are if you’re reading this, you have a computer, and you’re sitting in a warm home or office with clean clothes on. And you’re leisurely reading my blog post. This in large part means YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! OK, so I will speak for myself: Sometimes I’m a big whiney baby about stuff. :) i.e. Even though I know it would be amazing for my health to run every day & not eat any sugar, “I don’t waaanna. I just waaant a cooooookie!” Sound familiar? One thing I’ve learned about myself is I often confuse my quest for freedom in life with letting go of all discipline in an effort to do whatever I want. Fine line there.

Child’s mind
I’m naturally a very curious person. I want to learn everything I can, and while that can sometimes lead to my getting distracted, it can help when I’m trying to get to the bottom of my own fears and limitations. Note: It can help to have a coach or a therapist in this process, to help you untangle some of the stickier bits and sustain focus through the process, but it’s not absolutely necessary. In general, I believe only good things can come from looking within, and learning about yourself.

Sometimes we have fears that are buried deep (often for no good reason, really, but they’re our fears nonetheless) and need to be uncovered a bit. I myself have been doing some deep excavation into what lies beneath. I want to stop just dreaming about these things, and instead make them a part of my life. To listen and act on them.

Intention
My word for this year is intention. And I just learned from Marianne’s email today, there’s actually a Sanskrit word for this: sankalpa, which means “will, purpose, or determination.” As I was putting together this post, I remembered that I actually modeled for Yoga Journal about 7 years ago, and when I went to go look at it, I laughed when I saw the word headlining my quote. Check it out:

Ready, set, go!
I’ll keep you posted as the 30 Days of Yoga practice gets underway. I predict it will give me a lot more energy, and grounding. I haven’t been wanting to go out much lately, and am trying to get on a better sleep schedule, etc. Much of this has been culminating for a few months now, but nothing like a new year to kick it all off feeling fresh and ready to invite in major change!

Listen closely to what your heart, mind or body is wishing for. What’s on your list?

Read my continuation post: Making the space and inviting change in

Welcome to the future


NY, October 2009, originally uploaded by WilloToons.

Wow, 2011, huh? We are living in the future!

Case in point this awesome iPhone app that makes your photos look like you’re all dreamy cartoony, like the movie Waking Life. Love it.

The photo above is actually from last fall in NYC [photos]. Oh, the need for a cold drink in a sundress… dreamy indeed!

I’d like to make some time to review 2010 in a bit more detail, but for now, I simply just wanted to say *Cheers!* I look forward to making it an awesome new year with all of you. xoxo

Sewing a simple Kindle Cover

Cut fabric & measure around KindleYesterday I had my friend Karrie over for an afternoon of crafting. Karrie did some collage-cutting, and on my agenda: Sew myself a new cover for the new Kindle I got for Christmas (thanks, Mom)!

I decided the easiest way to do it was sew it up sandwich-bag style, so it’s all in one piece, and there wouldn’t be a button or snap that might hurt the screen. I’m not the best sewer in the world, but it didn’t take too long to google that, get a sense for what I needed to do & wing it from there. It wasn’t without it’s learning curves though. But I thrive on that kind of stuff. I learn as I go!

Check out the slideshow of photos documenting the process on the two different covers I made… and FYI there are two videos in here, too! Thanks to Karrie for being my cinematographer. I love hearing her cute little snickers in the background on the vids. :)

[flickrslideshow acct_name=”willotoons” id=”72157625569919037″]

Digging the Kindle so far…
I have to admit it’s a bit of a transition, mostly because I still have about 10 books stacked up at home that I’m working through! And I try to only buy used books (recycle!). But all that said, I am really excited about it. I’m constantly working on about 5 books at a time, so it’s cool that I’ll be able to take all of those with me in this lightweight little thing… and not have to turn pages, or lose my place, or anything! Oh, modern technology, how I love thee.

Until I completely transition my current reading stack, I’m excited about the fact I can read my e-books on it! I mean, not full force e-books, like the ones I’m reading, or that I’ll be buying off Amazon, but the various PDF books, booklets, workbooks or first chapter previews I’ve downloaded from blogs & such; some are like 50-100 pages long, and I find myself not wanting to read the whole thing on my computer screen. Kindle FTW!

For more information on transferring your files to the Kindle, read: Amazon.com Help: Transferring, Downloading, and Sending Files to Kindle

Oh, and let me know if my Kindle cover tutorial helped you at all! I’ll post an update here if I happen to put eyes & a nose on the gray one to turn it into an owl or a kitty. :)

Yerba Buena at night

I highly recommend visiting Yerba Buena at night… it’s wonderful! I hadn’t been up atop the terrace in forever, and now there are two great little places to have a cup of tea, or a drink & bite of food: Samovar Tea Lounge + B Restaurant & Bar. Just outside their all-glass walls, the fountains flow and the downtown city lights are aglow.

It’s moments like this that make me fall even more in love with this beautiful city.

Go out & get busy!

Action breeds confidence & courage.

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.
If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
– Dale Carnegie

Here here!
I snapped this quote from an awesome book I’m reading right now: The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau… a highly recommended read! Chris’ whole site is full of helpful tidbits for artists, freelancers and those looking to pave their own way and design their own life.

I had the opportunity to meet Chris briefly on his Unconventional Book Tour a few weeks back, and in just the few minutes we met—along with a few subsequent emails—it was clear how genuine and authentic his words are. Integrity is probably one of my highest morals, and Chris’ really shines through in all of the work he is doing supporting others, and walking the talk in his own life. Love it!

Are you finding yourself afraid of doing something in your life?
Do you think and think and think about something, and wonder why you still haven’t done it? Or then find yourself beating yourself up for not doing x, y & z? Explore that. I mean, literally research it like it’s your job to figure out why, in effort to get clear and in willingness to get past it once and for all. Take a look at it from all sides, turning it over; throwing it out & inviting it back in. Dive into what might be holding you back; ask it curious questions and then listen closely. Write it down even. No matter what though, don’t let it slowly eat away at you, or allow it to cause you to doubt yourself.

The thoughts and ideas that come to us are important,
they are just waiting for ACTION!

If you’re unsure on how to start, simply set an intention for movement on your idea this week. Even if it’s baby steps… start with just 20 minutes! Just try it, like an experiment.  Let me know if you want support. Seriously, I’d be happy to talk it out with you more. As a stranger said to me, at a coffee shop last week, “We’re all in this together.” Here here.

Mark your calendars: SXSW 2011 is coming!

sxsw11

Great news: My SXSW 2011 talk has been approved! They really kept me waiting right until the very end, and I thought I hadn’t made the cut… but I did. Wahoo!

This will be the third year in a row I’ll have the opportunity to speak and converse with a room full of creative, crafty, entrepreneurial new friends, and I’m really excited. This time – staying in line with the core-convos from years past entitled, “Snappy Strategies for Selling Art & Craft Online” – I’ll be speaking more about looking ahead to the future, and how to start preparing now on how best to market your business when the technology is moving fast.

Read the full description on the SXSW website – Social Shopping: The Future of Selling Stuff Online

I’m really excited to share all the knowledge I’ve gained from my experience and research over the last year, but I always learn SO much from the attendees. I hope to see you all there!

p.s. For more of my work around helping businesses get started online, check my Get Crafty! website.