i'm a winner!

last week was pretty much non stop for me. it was almost as if i was going going going every day. this is what sometimes makes your desire to pursue your passions and ambitions that much harder to become reality, however, i'm not gonna let that stop me! despite the roller coast ride of a week, it ended on a high note. i won a painting! my church the bridge held its 2nd annual benefit concert expression live. the event was AMAZING!! i found out about a great new artist named green tea and i won this wonderful piece of art from local artist richant!!!

this piece was made just for me! i'm such a music junkie. i mean i love just pure music. i have a pretty eclectic taste and i can find the beauty in almost every tune. this painting just made my night!

i found a new blog!

I just found this new great blog! it's called follow my bliss. oh how i love finding new blogs. enjoy!

r.i.p. aaliyah

today marks the 9 year anniversary of the tragic death of aaliyah. she was one of my favorite artists. but not only that she was a great role model for me as a pre teen girl. she was certainly one in a million. here's my favorite aaliyah song.

bits of my weekend.

"every once in awhile, a girl has to indulge herself." ~ sarah jessica parker

this weekend was one of the best weekends i've had in a while! it was exciting, successful and relaxing. i participated in my 2nd marketplace and it was a blast! there were so many wonderful and creative vendors in my company. great food and and great music! i'll let the pics do the talking.

the night before. all packed up and ready to go.

this food cart stand was right next to my table. i couldn't resist the sweet smell of crepes. i eventually gave in and it was well worth it!

this random man off of the street decided to take part in the festivities and asked to sing a "gospel" song. needless to say he wasn't exactly a singer and the crowd was more excited to see him leave then come on. although, the band members were good sports and gave a sweet random soul a little shine.

there was a dj and the live band was called the dirty shoes however, the 2 band members were barefoot. the dirty feet may have been a more fitting name lol. but i thought they were really unique and they kept me bopping my head the entire time so really that's all the matters!

all in all it was grand ole time and i can't wait until the next one. these fairs are becoming a bit of a drug for me...a good healthy one ;-)

cumbia on the sea.

this is one of my new favorite groups and songs. i was introduced to this band at the marketplace this past weekend and i immediately downloaded their album quantic presents flowering inferno on my rhapsody when i got home. this song just makes me think about dancing on the beach on a cool summer night in columbia with a flower tucked behind my ear. well until i can make that thought a reality, i'll just dance to it in my living room. enjoy!

motivation

you must motivate yourself EVERYDAY. ~matthew stasior

as a creative i often find myself experiencing from a "creative block." it happens to the best of us. however, the important thing is to not stay in that state. if you're in a rut, experiencing writers/creative block or just need some spice in your life the following tips are sure to help and give you that nudge you need.

1. do at least one new creative thing a week. whether you're trying out a new tea or taking a walk in a new park. doing something different and out of the ordinary breaks up the monotony of your everyday life. it also helps to write down your experience afterwards.

2. have breakfast for dinner. i'm a huge fan of eating pancakes anytime of the day!

3. join a class or workshop. there are so many opportunities out there for you to learn something new. many  times they're free. i found a money management 101 class that i'll be starting next week and that's free! it's a way to learn something new and even a chance to meet some new people.

4. create a list or start writing things down. i recently started to keep a "tidbits" journal where i write down my thoughts and goals as they come to me. i'm often inundated with ideas at the wrong time. when i'm at work or on the metro. by writing my ideas down as they come to mind i can go back to them when i'm at a more relaxed and creative state.

5. be inspired by someone else. read some new blogs. read a new book or an article from a genre or someone that you wouldn't be typically attracted to. i get so excited and inspired when i find and read new blogs. it helps to foster new ideas and it's fun to see what other people are thinking and writing out there.

what are some things that you do to get out of a rut?

inspiration.

i just viewed this fascinating and inspiring video. my eyes were glued to my laptop screen for the full 3 minutes and 5 seconds.

august break and craft fairs.

so i've been slacking off majorly with the august break. well i'm back on track today with some pics of the artisan craft fair i did a few weeks ago. this week i'm preparing for the fenton street market that will take place this saturday. even though i'm feeling a little rushed to get my pieces together, i was only accepted last week, i feel pretty good because i'm almost forced to create. i have no excuse now. the pressure is on and i like it.

so excited!

right now i'm so excited! i just received an email for an invitation to participate in the fenton street marketplace on august 21st and september 18th. if you are in the area on any of those dates please stop by for some fantastic one of kind accessories or just to say hello :-)

random things about me.

1. i am extremely optimistic about everything in life. I'm really excited about my life and the direction its headed in.
2. i am inspired by motivating and accomplished women that think outside of the box and aren't confined to typical female roles.
3. i am a dreamer of many dreams and am confident that they will come true.
4. i really enjoy nature. i marvel at God's creations, many of the things we take for granted every day.
5. sunflowers make me smile. they are my favorite!
6. i love butterflies. i'm truly fascinated by its life cycle and its symbolism. 
7. i am a shameless introvert and i love it. although i enjoy spending time with my friends and family, sometimes i just want to be alone. 
8. i am passionate about social justice and committed to change.
9. youth inspire me to be great.
10. i love cupcakes!
11. pizza is my favorite! but is has to be new haven or new york style. none of that cardboard pizza hut or dominoes stuff. no offense to those who enjoy that.
12. i'm such a snacker...cheez-its, chips, doritos, strawberries ( yeah i snack on the healthy stuff too)
13. i love finding new blogs! i get so excited when i stumble upon a new one they are a form of inspiration.
14. i am very unorganized at times. i'm working on it, but somehow it works for me.
15. i am an extremely spiritual person. all of this is not by chance, so i know God is real!
16. i find peace and comfort in meditation and prayer.
17. i absolutely love my family. although i don't get to see them as much as i'd like, they are always on my mind.
18. my friends are an extension of me. they are my "better halves." they inspire, motivate and encourage me daily. they push me to be the best me.
19. cultivating strong and lasting relationships is something that's very important to me. 
20. i love reading personal development books and memoirs. 
21. i love that i am a creative. it gives me this freedom and confidence that pushes me to be fearless and do all that i imagine.
22. although i love writing, sometimes i don't think i'm the best at it.
23. i'm no artist, but i love painting! getting paint splattered everywhere and allowing my hands to talk while the brushes listen is magical.
24. i'm a hopeless romantic. (enough said)
25. i'm inspired by my ancestors. all those who encountered and endured such tremendous injustice. it's because of them that i am today.
26. i enjoy culture, understanding more about my culture and discovering new ones.
27. i'm fascinated by learning. knowledge is infinite and when you have it you possess an infallible power.
28. i'm such a girly girl. i love it all, make up, shoes clothes accessories. yep that's me!
29. i am truly a free spirit.
30. everyday i enjoy unleashing my potential and becoming the person God has intended me to be!

wow thanks for getting this far! glad you took the time out to get to know me a little better :-)

august break day 3&4

for the past few days i've been pretty sick. a victim to this mild stomach virus :-( but i'm dong better now and mustered up enough energy to post these pics. 

one of my favorite places in dc is the united states botanic gardens. i go here when i need to clear my mind, need some inspiration or just up for a peaceful day in a massive beautiful garden. below are some pics i took from one of my visits there. 

bits of my morning.

day 2

picture a day...day one

i just decided to participate in Susannah Conway's August Break, where you post at least one pic a day on your blog. no rules, just pics. you can find more info here. but for now here's my pics for today...

sometimes beauty is hidden...but it's there...

"it's a long old road, but i know i'm gonna find the end." ~bessie smith

think the impossible.

This morning I'm reminded of the scripture in Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Every morning I speak the following aspirations ( I'm even speaking them aloud while typing):

1. I will have a good paying job before the end of the summer.
2. I will find true love.
3. I will be successful in my entrepreneurial endeavors.
4. I will get out of debt.
5. I will become better organized.

Begin speaking those thoughts in your mind, those thoughts you feel are impossible. Speak it into existence, have faith and these things will come to past.

Cusping.

I have this distinct feeling clinging to my thoughts like biker shorts. This feeling that can't escape my mind no matter what. It motivates me to keep on going. It gives me that nudge on the shoulders shoving me on when I'm just about ready to throw up the white flag and surrender. I'm on the cusp of something profound preparing to take shape in my life. I don't have all the details, but I can feel it happening.

Lately I've been so overcome with ideas, goals, and new adventures that keep me busy and on the path of success that I can't alway contain it. They're pretty much bursting at the seams. Needless to say, I'm so excited about what's to come and I'm ready to take this monumental leap of faith into the infamous world of the unknown. Not afraid of what's to come, but just completely energized about the possibilities.

I want to accomplish all that I can accomplish while putting in every morsel of effort that I can muster. We only get one life, one shot, one chance to live our lives and make a difference and I refuse to let this opportunity slip away.

this is me...

So this blog is simply what the headline describes...Life of TyniseNicole, meaning my life. You won't find a specific topic on this blog or journal because that's what it really is. Basically it's a one stop shop for all the randomosities of my life. I hope to inspire, encourage and wake up a new fire inside of you along the way!