TJs Rambling Updates! Well, just two for now...

Ah this post is going to be about a few little updates. Two to be precise. It's getting way too hot here for sitting behind the laptop for long periods of time, so I'm typing in one go...hehe. Ready? Set? Go!

Ramble update 1: Kids Need More Art
A few weeks ago a came across a Facebook page called Kids Need more Art. They have a campaign going called Around The World and if you want to join, you can contact them and they will send you a shirt or bag and the only thing you have to do is answering a question and snap a picture with it. They want to see how far the shirt/bag travel around the world while collecting cool answers. Well, when I was out and about I managed to spill coffee on the shirt so I still ended up taking the picture at home with the bag (which I didn't want as I wanted to have a cool picture outside -_-)...anyway...I tend to be quite clumsy sometimes! Here's the picture that has been up on my Facebook yesterday.

I hardly post my own pictures on my blog huh? That aside. There's still some time to participate, but not sure how much time there's left yet. This is specifically aimed at people who live outside the States as the shirt does need to travel to you first. So wanna join? Check out their site or their Facebook page here.

Karen *waves* I loved our email exchanges! You're so sweet and can't wait to meet you one day!

Ramble Update 2: A Song of Sahel SOS
I'll be donating an original painting to the cause A Song of Sahel SOS. Every now and then I do a little side project that has more meaning to me than others. At least, whenever I read about it, it sparks something in me and I just have to act on it. I had it with e.g. the Red Dress Movement by The Bloggess.

A lot of parts in Africa are struck by starvation and dehydration, people have so little, though often their smiles are the most genuine ones you'll ever see. I've never visited Africa, but I do have heritage from there. And you know, it's very easy to only focus on the tragedies that covers Africa like a black cloud, so one must not forget about all the wonders in the form of beautiful landscapes and gorgeous animals that live there. I've wondered many times why a land as Africa is still in such severe need of help. Many theories have crossed my mind one more depressing and shocking than the other. So I won't bother you or myself with it anymore. What is needed is a helping hand is needed and Niamh Clune is one of the people who extended hers and set up an event to raise awareness and money to help the people who live in Africa, specifically around the area of Sahel. Sahel is a place in Africa struck by extreme drought and no rain for extended periods of time. I'm already melting when the temperatures in Holland go above 24 degrees Celsius...and when I think about how hot it can really get without the rain...I definitely should not complain. Not one bit.

Unfortunately I don't have bags of money around, so I am donating an original painting solely for this cause. It will be auctioned soon to raise money for the cause, however, I can't show you what I've painted just yet. What I can say is that the style of painting is quite different than I'm used to and my sister Cilla is completely in love with it. I always, always have to get used to my own stuff though. However...stepping outside my comfort zone is a good thing right? The event will be taking place on September 15th and you can join the event on Facebook. In case you're interested in knowing more about the cause and how to join, please read this post.

Ah. We can all dream about a better world, but in the end....our actions make all the difference.

Last ramble: MY GIVEAWAY is still open...so do join if you want and ask me question. The questions I've gotten so far, will be answered in the posts to come. :D

Enjoy you Sunday...the weather is getting waaaay too hot to sit behind my laptop!

Ciao Ciao everyone!

It all started with...The Red Dress

Greeeeeeetings Everyone!

How are you doing? Preparing for the weekend? It really started to snow here and I have to say, it's a pretty sight, but where was it when I wanted a white Christmas?!? Ah well.

When I was reading (skimming) through the articles on my Google Reader a few days back, I came across an article by Jenny Lawson aka The Bloggess. I always read her posts, which are hilarious, honest, inappropriate and straight to the point. It's really peeking inside her mind and I love it! The Bloggess, initiated the The Traveling Red Dress movement in 2010 and picked it up again a while ago with the The Traveling Red Dress - revisited. Her story is inspiring to say the least and her story inspired many others to share theirs as well. Just have a read please ^_^. And yes, to state the obvious, it started with a Red Dress. It's bold and daring and well...I mean how often can one wear a big red dress other than if you had a costume party or something? I do not have a big red dress...so I painted one!

Claire...I'll show the ones with flowery petals another time! 

Couldn't get it right when I started painting hehe. 

No matter who you are or what you do, every girl has a Little Diva inside of her. And I'm not talking about a lady in haute couture loaded with jewelry and an attitude...no. I'm talking about a side that knows she deserves nothing more than the best. A side that knows she is beautiful and loving no matter how she looks like. A side that accepts her flaws and isn't afraid to be who she really is.

...this side often hides though. Responsibilities, disapproving looks and words can be a pain in the ass you know.

So in short, the Red Dress has become a metaphor for the fact that everyone should have their moment. That moment where they can fully embrace who they are without being judged. And it doesn't matter if it's silly or weird or not sensible...if it makes you happy...what more could you ask for? Simplicity at its best right? So eat that cookie if you want one, roll in the grass if you feel like it, wear those earrings if it makes you feel beautiful, wear bright eye shadow if it makes you feel colorful and happy. I could go on and on, but the point is that you don't forget who you are and share a bit of your own sunshine with the world. A lot of people hide behind their own clouds already anyway.

I visited the Facebook Page and all those little comments just made me happy. So many people are offering red dresses and/or photography skills just to make someone else happy and give them their moment of Fabulousness. I love how the World of the Web can do this and when I read another article about The Bloggess and her Red Dress Movement...I was inspired even more.

Strangers helping Strangers. Social media is a powerful tool indeed.

I hope that one day I can twirl around in a big red dress as well haha. Although me and big dresses don't always match, but this is a story for another time. Until then...this illustration has to do ^_^.

Not sure if she ever reads this - She saw it and thinks it's gorgeous! I am Happy! -  a Big Big Thanks to Jenny the Bloggess for her Inspiring story as it inspired me to write this one. Also, for showing her beautiful pictures! If you have some time to spare do click around and have a read. It's inspiring how generous people can be, simply because they want too and want to make someone else happy.

Enjoy your weekend and remember...be Fabulous (yes. The guys have to be Fabulous too)!

Ciao Everyone!