Join Me for a 52-week Acrylic Painting Challenge

Dive Into Creativity: Join Me for a 52-week Acrylic Painting Challenge!
If you may have dabbled in acrylic painting, or it is a new passion. No matter your level, I have an idea that might ignite your artistic spirit. I'm starting a 52-week challenge in acrylic painting, aiming to track my growth and develop the habit of creating one piece each week. I would love for you to join me on this journey!

What Is a 52-Week Acrylic Painting Challenge?
The concept is simple yet powerful: each week for one year, I'll complete one acrylic painting. By the end of the year, I'll have 52 creations to look back on—a tangible representation of growth, exploration, and creativity. Whether experimenting with bold colors, learning new techniques, or expressing emotions through abstract art, this challenge will be worth taking.
Why Do It?
Cultivate Creativity: Acrylic painting is versatile, vibrant, and forgiving—perfect for beginners and seasoned artists. Setting aside time each week ensures we regularly tap into our creative minds. Build a Habit: They say it takes consistency to develop a skill. Whether you aim to improve your artistic abilities or make painting a weekly ritual, this challenge will help. Celebrate Growth: By Week 52, we'll be able to see how much we've learned and grown—which is incredibly rewarding.
Community: Art is more fun when shared! Joining forces means swapping ideas, encouraging each other, and celebrating each masterpiece.
How Can You Join?
Here's the plan:

Start Anytime: Don't worry about waiting for a "perfect week" to begin. Just pick up a canvas and dive in! Share Your Work: Post your paintings weekly and use the hashtag #52WeekAcrylicChallenge. Seeing each other's creations will inspire us all!
Connect: Comment, share tips, or even collaborate on weekly themes. Let's make this an interactive and supportive community.
Need Inspiration?
If you're wondering what to paint, I'll share weekly prompts to inspire us. For example:
Week 1: "A Burst of Color"
Week 2: "Nature's Details"
Week 3: “Dreamscapes”
Feel free to follow the prompts or let your imagination lead the way. Let's Begin!
If you are painting for the first time or reigniting your passion for acrylics, this challenge is about the joy of creation—not perfection. Let's fill the year with color, expression, and growth. Ready to take the plunge? Grab your brushes, find some acrylics, and make 52 weeks count!
All Rights Are Reserved. KSidebottom 2025

Noiseless Days

See, it's very maddening
This war silently rages.
You hear the quiet of the day
I hear the battle cry through the night
A clamorous and acute intensity
That is so loud it's bright.
The stillness that never comes
Noiseless days that do not exist
All a relentless unrest.

Pancreatitis Attack: What will help?

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. Pancreatitis can be pretty severe. It's an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe pain, nausea, and other symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial; the sooner, the better. This attack could last from one to two weeks. When you are 48 hours past the symptoms, you should be on your way back to normal eating, but making diet changes is highly suggested.

I am sharing this post to provide you with support in an easy-to-understand way. I know you're facing some of the most challenging moments and may feel sicker than ever. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. These facts can offer comfort and guidance as you navigate the next few days.

Number One; Sleep elivated, try not to lay flat. It will feel better sitting up curled up but you got to rest so try to stay reclined with pressure against your stomach. If you use enough pillows you can sleep in a reclined postion. I also used a pillow pushed up against my stomach at all times.

Number Two; Ice Chips!!! They will be your best friend. You will be so thirsty but wont be able to hold anything down. Ice chips can be a life savor.

Number Three; Only clear liquids! Don't put more food in your stomach. CHICKEN BROTH!!! That will keep things calm in your gut and give you nutrition. I also ate bannana popcycles and canned cold peaches and grapes. I kept Sprite, Water and Ginger Ale all with lots of ice.

Number Four; take pain reliever around the clock.

Number Five;take baby sips of whatever you are drinking.

* I was told to use Vicks Vapor rub on my stomach for the pain but this is what I found out. Vicks Vaporub is a popular remedy for cough and congestion, but it is important to be cautious when using it on the stomach. The ingredients in Vicks Vaporub can cause stomach irritation and lead to discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you experience any side effects, it is best to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

For me, the back pain was just about unbearable. I am about three days into feeling better, and I am still exhausted with back pain and some stomach pain and fullness. I was sick for fourteen days. I had one day I thought I was better, but twelve hours later, I was just as ill as day one.
I genuinely hope this information proves helpful and easy to understand. Please know that I'm wishing you a swift and smooth recovery. Take care of yourself during this time.

For stomach pain, it's better to try other remedies like:
Peppermint oil: Known to help relieve symptoms of indigestion and stomach discomfort.
Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe an upset stomach.
Chamomile tea: Known for its calming effects on the digestive system


Symptoms
* Abdominal pain: This is the primary symptom and it often radiates to your back.
* Nausea and vomiting: These are common symptoms. Fever:
* You might experience a fever.
* Rapid heart rate: Your heart rate may increase.
* Swellingand tenderness in the abdomen: The abdomen may become swollen and tender.
* Trouble catching your breath.
*** In the event of a hospital stay you may be given oxygen, neausea medication, pain medication and fluids.

Causes
Gallstones: These can block the pancreatic duct.
Heavy alcohol use: Long-term alcohol abuse is a common cause.
High levels of triglycerides: Elevated triglycerides in the blood can lead to pancreatitis.
Infections: Certain infections can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
Genetic disorders: Some genetic conditions can affect the pancreas.

Treatments Hospitalization: You may need to be hospitalized for intravenous (IV) fluids, pain management, and other medications.
Pain relief: Medications to manage pain are often necessary.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to treat complications.

SOURCES
1. www.mayoclinic.org
2. my.clevelandclinic.org
3. www.niddk.nih.gov
4. www.webmd.com
5. continentalhospitals.com

Intake and Outtake and Breath...

The Nerve-Wracking Journey of Art Intake and Pickup

As an artist, the process of taking your artwork in for intake and later picking it up can be a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s a journey filled with anticipation, anxiety, and ultimately, a sense of accomplishment. Let’s delve into why this process can be so nerve-wracking and how to navigate it with grace.
The Anticipation of Intake The moment you decide to submit your artwork for an exhibition or gallery display, a mix of excitement and nerves sets in. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your creation, and now it’s time to share it with the world. The anticipation builds as you prepare your piece for intake. Will it be accepted? Will it be appreciated?
Preparation is Key: Ensure your artwork is properly framed, labeled, and accompanied by any necessary documentation. This preparation can help ease some of the anxiety, knowing that you’ve done everything you can to present your work professionally.

The Anxiety of Submission Walking into the gallery or exhibition space with your artwork in hand can be daunting. The fear of judgment looms large. What if they don’t like it? What if it doesn’t fit with the other pieces? These thoughts can be overwhelming.
Stay Positive: Remember that art is subjective. What one person may not appreciate, another might love. Trust in your vision and the effort you’ve put into your work.

Motivation Monday Continued

Good Monday morning. I realize I need to catch up and share my updates, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Looking back, one month was too early for an update. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I navigate this journey. Your unwavering support means the world to me, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for every one of you.
As I reach day 51, seven weeks and one day of my journey, I want to share that it hasn't been a smooth ride. There were days when my mind and body resisted, but my determination prevailed, allowing me to continue my journey. This victory over daily struggles and my higher power keeps me going. My progress inspires you to keep pushing forward in your journey.
I had a more challenging time during the first four weeks than during the last three. My chronic illness does cause difficult days, so fighting through and getting ready for the day has helped in many directions but also caused more challenging days. I do plan to dive deeper into all that in a future post. Today, I want to connect to show that I am still trying this out and share a picture of my demeanor on days 1, 49, and 50. I also encourage you to try it because I am thrilled with the outcome thus far.
I'm excited to share more about my journey in the future, so please stay tuned. I messed up on my sign for day 49. Embracing vulnerability, my husband and I were out of town for our anniversary trip, and I stink at math, to say the least. I hope you can see the difference as I feel it. Remember, we're in this together.

Remembering Chanty Shiverdecker: A Call for Justice and Community Support

Remembering Chanty Shiverdecker: A Call for Justice and Community Support

In the quiet town of Alexander City, Alabama, the tragic story of Chanty Shiverdecker remains a haunting reminder of the unresolved mysteries that still linger in our communities. Chanty, a vibrant 15-year-old, disappeared on December 9, 1994, after basketball practice at Radney Elementary School. Her body was discovered months later, but her case remains unsolved to this day.
CChanty Shiverdecker was a sophomore at Benjamin Russell High School, known for her adventurous spirit and kind heart. On that fateful December evening, she stayed behind after practice, waiting for a ride that never came. Her friends and family never saw her alive again. On February 24, 1995, her decomposed body was found at an abandoned lumberyard near Highway 9 in Coosa County, approximately ten miles from where she was last seen.

Despite extensive efforts by the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, Alexander City Police Department, and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Chanty’s case remains open. Forensic examiners were unable to determine a specific cause of death, but it was ruled a homicide1. Over the years, various leads have been pursued, but none have led to a resolution. The community and Chanty’s family continue to seek answers and justice.

Chanty’s story is not just a tale of tragedy but also a call to action. Her family and local authorities believe that someone out there holds the key to solving this case. Community involvement is crucial in bringing closure to Chanty’s loved ones. If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office at 256-377-2211 or email office@coosaso.com.

As we remember Chanty Shiverdecker, let us also remember the importance of community and the power we hold in seeking justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. By coming together and sharing information, we can help bring peace to Chanty’s family and ensure that her memory lives on.
Call to Action: If you are moved by Chanty’s story, consider sharing this post to raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference and help solve this decades-old mystery.

Junky Journal?

Junky Journal? Yes, that is our mission: to make a junk journal. Have you ever heard about Junk Journaling? Well, I hadn't until yesterday, and I thought we could do this together—a journal journey, a little road trip, if you will. It's not just about the result but the exciting journey of creativity and self-discovery we'll embark on together.
Let's start by setting our goal small, so we stay calm and relaxed. We can begin by writing a tiny two-week journal. Then, we can embark on our first one-month journal in October. The goal can be to write at least 12 journals in one year starting October 4, 2024, and try to do a page a day. Remember, everything can be adjusted as we go, as we are not married to any one idea. This flexibility allows us to experiment and find what works best for us.

This diary should teach us to turn junk into beauty, to see the beauty in the old and used parts of our lives. These journals will help us develop the habit of saving money and fostering creative thinking, strengthen our cognitive abilities, and help us prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's. The benefits are numerous, and they should inspire us to keep going on this journey of journaling.
Junk journaling is a creative and sustainable form that involves using recycled and found materials to create personalized journals, such as things that would otherwise be discarded. This includes anything from paper scraps and magazine cutouts to fabric pieces, old photographs, and more. That is half the fun, to find the materials.
Junk journals can be used for various purposes, such as memory keeping, art journaling, or simply as a creative outlet. They can document daily life, special events, or personal thoughts and inspirations.

Each junk journal is unique and reflects the creator's style and preferences. This makes them an excellent way to express individuality and creativity. Junk journaling also promotes mindfulness and gratitude by encouraging you to document and appreciate life's small moments and details. As a previous blog post mentioned, learning and practicing mindfulness is one of the most essential parts of this recovery journey. We will use materials and techniques that resonate with you. It's a flexible and enjoyable practice that you can adapt to suit your style and needs without pressure.

Now that we have discussed junk journaling and how it can help our recovery process, let's jump in and start. We will begin by making the book cover—one set of directions for creating a book cover for your journal: www.creativeartnsoul.com/make-an-easy-junk-journal-cover/, but you can do what you want. I will post some easy ideas for making the covers next. If you know any, please let me know so I can share it with everyone. As we embark on this journal journey, please remember, "A journal is your completely unaltered voice." — Lucy Dacus